Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds: The Clone Campaigns - Databank FAQ

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D A T A B A N K
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Star Wars Galactic Battlegrounds: Clone Campaigns
for the PC
DataBank Guide
Version 1.0
Last Updated 10/11/03
Written & Compiled by TestaALT
Email Address TestaALT@aol.com
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Table of Contents
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1. What's New?
2. Civilizations
2.1 - Confederacy
2.2 - Galactic Empire
2.3 - Galactic Republic
2.4 - Gungans
2.5 - Rebal Alliance
2.6 - Royal Naboo
2.7 - Trade Federation
2.8 - Wookiees
3. Planets
3.1 - Alaris Prime
3.2 - Avator Orbital Platform
3.3 - Bespin
3.4 - Coruscant
3.5 - Eredenn
3.6 - Forest Moons of Endor
3.7 - Geonosis
3.8 - Hanoon
3.9 - Hoth
3.10 - Kaer Orbital Platform
3.11 - Kashyyyk
3.12 - Kessel
3.13 - Krant
3.14 - Naboo
3.15 - Reytha
3.16 - Sarapin
3.17 - Tatooine
3.18 - Yavin 4
3.19 - Zaloriis
4. Heroes and Villians
4.1 - Attichitcuk
4.2 - Boss Nass
4.3 - Chewbacca
4.4 - Count Dooku
4.5 - Darth Vader
4.6 - Mace Windu
4.7 - Princess Leia Organa
4.8 - OOM-9
4.9 - Pekt
4.10 - Weebacca
4.11 - Luke Skywalker
4.12 - Lando Calrissian
4.13 - Han Solo
4.14 - Captain Tarpals
4.15 - Boss Gallo
4.16 - Captain Marsune
4.17 - Padme Amidala
4.18 - Darth Maul
4.19 - Viceroy Nute Gunray
4.20 - Mott Yittreas
4.21 - General Veers
4.22 - Echuu Shen-Jon
4.23 - Qui-Gon Jinn
4.24 - Mara Jade
4.25 - Obi-Wan Kenobi
4.26 - Sev'Rance Tann
5. Technology Classes
5.1 - Aircraft
5.2 - Heavy Weapons
5.3 - Jedi
5.4 - Mechs
5.5 - Ships
5.6 - Support Units
5.7 - Troopers
6. Briefings
6.1 - Episode II Politics
6.2 - Decimator
7. Closing
7.1 - Credits
7.2 - Legal Disclaimer
7.3 - Contact Information
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1. What's New?
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Version 1.0 -- 10/10/03 -- Completed.
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2. Civilizations
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The descriptions of the civilizations.
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2.1 - Confederacy
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The Confederacy of Independent Systems is a collection of thousands of systems
and corporate entities united by former Jedi Master Count Dooku against the
rule of the Galactic Republic. Dooku, who had abandoned the Jedi Order around
thirty-two years before the Battle of Yavin, returned from his self-imposed
exile twenty-four years before the Battle of Yavin to begin organizing groups
that opposed the Galactic Republic, which he viewed as corrupt and ineffective.
After quickly gathering thousands of systems to his cause, Dooku began
negotiating with various corporations, such as the Trade Federation, in the
hopes of using their private armies to bolster the secessionists' military
might.
In just two years, Dooku had built a powerful secessionist movement backed by
the financial support---both privately and publicly---of many powerful
institutions, including the Corporate Alliance, InterGalactic Banking Clan,
Commerce Guild, Trade Federation, and Techno Union. Twenty-two years before the
Battle of Yavin, Dooku held a meeting between leaders of these groups on
Geonosis, where they officially founded the Confederacy of Independent Systems
and began mobilizing a massive droid army. This meeting was interrupted by the
appearance of Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi, his apprentice Anakin Skywalker, and Senator
Padm? Amidala, all of whom were captured by the Geonosians and sentenced to
death by Count Dooku.
But just as the three traitors were about to be executed, Mace Windu led one
hundred Jedi into the Geonosis Arena in a daring rescue mission. Dooku gave the
order to kill the Jedi, and his military secession from the Republic truly
began. Just as the Jedi were on the brink of total defeat, the clone army of
the Republic arrived and engaged the surprised CIS forces. The secessionists
were quickly scattered and were ultimately ordered to retreat by Dooku himself.
This conflict became known as the Battle of Geonosis, which was the start of
the Clone Wars.
Though the first battle of the Clone Wars was a defeat for the Confederacy, it
was a victory for Count Dooku, who started the war with ulterior motives. He
was in fact working secretly for the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious. So
the mighty corporate powers and the numerous disgruntled systems of the
Galactic Republic were actually just tools, used by the Sith during the war to
weaken the Republic and destroy the Jedi.
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2.2 - Galactic Empire
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For thousands of years, the Old Republic ruled the galaxy, attempting to bring
together hundreds of star systems under a democratic rule. Unfortunately, the
massive Republic became bloated and corrupt over time, leading to discontent
and suspicion among its subjects. Unable to maintain control in the galaxy, the
Republic found itself at odds with the massive Trade Federation and other
groups. Capitalizing on this discord and conflict, Emperor Palpatine rose to
power. He took complete control of the government and instituted the so-called
New Order, under the pretense of ending the Old Republic's corruption. However,
his true agenda focused on total domination of the galaxy. Under Palpatine's
rule, the Old Republic was transformed into the Empire, a tyrannical and
oppressive government that attempted to enforce order and loyalty through force
and fear. Alien races were eradicated or enslaved, entire industries and star
systems were nationalized, and terror became a way of life. Slavery was rampant
throughout the Empire, and social injustice flourished. Even the Jedi Knights,
the last beacon of light in a rapidly darkening galaxy, were pursued and
murdered during this dark time.
To further solidify his position, Palpatine surrounded himself with powerful
minions, including the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. Eventually,
Palpatine even abolished the Imperial Senate, allowing his loyal Moffs to rule
portions of his domain as regional governors. Imperial stormtroopers, anonymous
soldiers totally loyal to the Emperor, became his shock troops and enforcers on
rebellious worlds. Entire systems were frightened into compliance by the
massive Star Destroyers, Super Star Destroyers, and orbital battle stations
produced by Imperial forces. Most terrifying were the Death Stars, mobile
superweapons capable of destroying entire planets.
The Empire began to falter at the Battle of Yavin, when the Alliance forces
managed to destroy the first Death Star. Imperial forces enjoyed a brief
revenge at the Battle of Hoth, but the combined might of the Rebels brought an
end to Palpatine and his government at the Battle of Endor.
Unfortunately, small remnants of the Empire remained scattered throughout the
stars. Five years after the Battle of Endor, Grand Admiral Thrawn gathered
these forces for an assault on the New Republic. He failed, but a year later,
the reborn Emperor threatened galactic peace. Again, the villain was defeated,
but the last factions of the Empire remain a constant danger in the age of the
New Republic.
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2.3 - Galactic Republic
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A democratic union of millions of star systems that lasted for more than 25,000
years, the Galactic Republic spread peace and prosperity throughout the known
galaxy. However as time passed and the Republic's size grew, it eventually
became too unwieldy for the Senate to oversee and the Jedi Order to protect.
Corruption spread wildly, weakening the Senate and causing dissent among many
systems and corporate interests.
Thirty-two years before the Battle of Yavin, the first signs of the Senate's
ineffectiveness surfaced when it proved unable to protect peaceful Naboo from
the Trade Federation. The corporation blockaded the planet, followed soon after
by a full-scale invasion of the pastoral world. During the subsequent political
maneuverings, Supreme Chancellor Valorum was quickly ousted, and replaced by
Senator Palpatine from Naboo. Despite Palpatine's leadership, over the next
decade Senators became more and more corrupt and in response, the Confederacy
of Independent Systems was born. The ranks of the CIS quickly grew, causing the
Senate to endlessly debate the idea of forming an army to protect those systems
that remained loyal to the Republic.
But it wasn't until Senate Representative Jar Jar Binks from Naboo put forward
a motion to give Supreme Chancellor Palpatine emergency powers that the first
army of the Republic was organized. Led by Jedi Master Yoda, the clone army of
the Republic descended into an arena on Geonosis to save the last surviving
members of a Jedi strike force led by Mace Windu, thus starting the Clone Wars.
In the turbulent years following the Clone Wars, the Galactic Senate lost a
great deal of power to the Supreme Chancellor's office, paving the way for the
eventual rise of the Emperor. Under the Emperor's rule, the Republic became the
Galactic Empire, an oppressive government designed to rule the galaxy through
fear. Although the Senate remained in place for some time after the Emperor's
ascent to power, it was eventually disbanded shortly before the Battle of
Yavin. Following the Empire's defeat at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance
founded the New Republic in an attempt to recapture the ideals of the galaxy's
original ruling body; since that time, the former Galactic Republic has become
more generally known as the "Old Republic."
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2.4 - Gungans
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The original inhabitants of Naboo, the Gungans are a secretive species found in
the thick swamps of their homeworld. An amphibious species with flexible,
cartilaginous skeletons, Gungans are generally adept warriors and skilled
artisans. They place great emphasis on personal responsibility, loyalty, and
courage.
Gungans have several distinct races. Boss Nass, for example, is an Ankura
Gungan, while Jar Jar Binks is an Otolla Gungan. Long before the Battle of
Naboo, the rare and ancient Ankuran lineage allied with the Otollans, who had
constructed Otoh Gunga. Although the Ankura Gungans, such as Boss Nass, have
unique features, most Gungans are tall and lanky. They have long, muscular
tongues, partially retractable eyestalks, and four-fingered hands. Their large,
strong teeth are designed for crushing tough shellfish, which form a staple of
the Gungan diet. Two long earlobes, known as "haillu," are used for displays of
aggression, friendship, and fear. The amphibious Gungans have nostrils that
seal when they enter the water and nictating membranes covering their eyes.
They also boast compound lungs, allowing them to breathe both air and water,
along with well-padded kneecaps and powerful calves and legs for increased
swimming speed. However, because they are so well-adapted to their watery
environment, their skin dries easily in hot and arid climes. A Gungan's
skeleton is composed of resilient hard cartilage, which is far more flexible
than bone and allows for a wide range of physical movements. Standard family
units consist of a mother, father, and several children, which hatch from eggs.
Gungan settlements can be found throughout the Naboo swamps, although many are
constructed underwater in large lakes or bayous. Outside of the sprawling Otoh
Gunga, Gungans live in a variety of settlements, all united by treaties and
agreements. Because of their long isolation, they are suspicious of the Naboo,
who have a much different culture. Although traders on the fringe of Gungan
society interact with the Naboo, many Gungans have never encountered humans.
The Gungans worship a pantheon of deities, many of which preside over nature.
According to Gungan mythology, these gods live in Ossorus, a beautiful
underwater city protected by enchanted sando aqua monsters and giant Gungan
warriors astride their loyal kaadu. The principal Gungan deity is Oma-Oma, who
is revered in legends as the creator of all life on Naboo.
Often considered primitive by outsiders, the Gungans have actually achieved a
level of technology that far outstrips many other cultures. Gungan technology
is founded on the use of organic materials and they "grow" many of their
vehicles, weapons, tools, and even structures. Almost everything the Gungans
manufacture is hand-crafted to some extent, so that no two bongos look alike.
It is believed that the Gungans first mobilized for war when threatened by the
semi-intelligent bursas, monstrous creatures that attacked Gungan settlements
on a regular basis, long before the Naboo arrived. The Gungans assembled a
"grand army" to meet this threat, eventually driving the bursas into
extinction. Later wars were fought between various Gungan tribes led by
power-hungry warlords. The most notorious Gungan warlord was Rogoe, who was
ultimately defeated by Gallo. With the defeat of Rogoe, Gallo was able to unite
all of the Gungan tribes, becoming the first true "Boss."
Because the Naboo are entirely peaceful, the Gungans now have no real enemies.
However, they maintain a large army for protection against large predators and
out of tradition. The army utilizes several weapons based on the strange,
Gungan energy balls. The energy balls, which are composed of electrified goo
encased in an organic membrane, can be launched from Gungan catapults, atlatls,
and cestas.
The Gungan Grand Army is the species' primary fighting force. Composed of
soldiers from all of the Gungan settlements on Naboo, the Grand Army can only
be rallied by the reigning Boss. In battle, several well-trained generals
command their own groups of soldiers.
The majority of the Gungan Grand Army's troops are militiagungs, or part-time
soldiers. They are relatively inexperienced, but fight with conviction and
courage. Because the Grand Army is only loosely organized, the militiagungs
supply their own gear and clothing. They are trained to use cestas and atlatls
to hurl energy balls at the enemy, and they can defend themselves with personal
shields. The cavalry units sit astride trained kaadu. On the battlefield and
during maneuvers, the Grand Army's generals use horns, whistles, and gestures
to convey orders and commands. Although certainly assembled to fight, most of
the Grand Army's fantastic technology revolves around defending the troops. The
army utilizes large shield generators, mounted on fambaas, which combine to
protect several legions from blaster fire and heavy artillery.
The Gungan Grand Army had not been called to battle for almost 100 years when
the Trade Federation decided to invade Naboo. After forming an alliance with
Queen Amidala, Boss Nass agreed to organize the army to help the humans battle
the droid forces. However, the conflict posed a major threat to the Gungans:
When Queen Amidala warned Boss Nass that many Gungans could die during the
battle against the Trade Federation, she was not underestimating the Gungan
Grand Army. Rather, the Queen realized that the Gungans would need to place
themselves in harm's way in order to create a convincing diversion. With its
advanced technology, expendable droid troops, and staggering firepower, the
Trade Federation should have overwhelmed the Gungan diversionary force on an
open battlefield. That the Gungans were able to resist capture for quite some
time is a testament to their prowess.
As many Gungan generals are quick to point out, the Battle of Naboo is not
typical of Gungan tactics. Very few Gungan commanders would have attacked the
Trade Federation forces head-on. In fact, before Queen Amidala arrived to plead
for a Naboo-Gungan alliance, leaders like General Ceel and Captain Tarpals
were already planning retribution for the Trade Federation's attack on Otoh
Gunga. According to their schemes, the Gungans would start a campaign of
guerrilla warfare, launching hit-and-run strikes on Trade Federation forces and
then vanishing into the swamps. These plans were scuttled when Boss Nass agreed
to provide the Queen with a significant diversion.
In order to attract the Trade Federation's attention, Nass called upon all
available members of the Gungan Grand Army. Two thousand soldiers came from
every Gungan village and city, with only a few militiagungs remaining behind to
protect Gungan territory should the Queen's plan fail. Nass also rolled out
heavy Gungan catapults, which he hoped would stall approaching Trade Federation
forces, and authorized the deployment of the large Gungan shield generators.
With the Grand Gungan Army assembled, Boss Nass ordered a steady march toward
Theed.
General Ceel planned to position much of the army atop Shaak Ridge , a row of
hills south of Theed and north of the Gallo Mountains. From this tactical high
ground, Ceel hoped to decimate enemy vehicles with the army's catapults and
take out advance troops using squads of trained atlatl and cesta snipers.
Unfortunately, the Trade Federation reacted more quickly to the approaching
army than the Gungans had anticipated. When the Gungan army entered the valley
of the Great Grass Plains, Ceel's scouts spotted a mile-long line of Trade
Federation AATs advancing over the hills. The general ordered an early halt.
Although remaining in the valley meant that the catapults would have reduced
effectiveness, Ceel knew that the Gungans' proximity to the swamps would at
least allow for a quick retreat .
In fact, the Trade Federation had planned to pin the Gungans in the valley. Led
by OOM-9, the droid army moved quickly from Theed with the express purpose of
capturing Shaak Ridge. Once AATs and support MTTs secured the Ridge, the main
body of the army prepared to descend into the Great Grass Plains valley.
Meanwhile, additional Trade Federation forces attempted to flank the Gungans
from the east and west. OOM-9 calculated that the flanking maneuvers would wipe
out the Gungans. Fortunately, the pirate Nym and the mercenary Vana Sage routed
one flanking group, while a unit of RSF resistance soldiers under the
leadership of Lieutenant Gavyn Sykes destroyed the other.
Once the Trade Federation army neared, the Gungans made every effort to keep
the attackers at bay. At General Ceel's command, Captain Tarpals ordered the
activation of the Gungan energy shields, which protected the Grand Army from
AAT attacks. When it became obvious that the AATs could not penetrate the
shields, OOM-9 pulled the tanks out of catapult range and deployed his foot
soldiers. Arranged into units of fifty-six, the battle droids emerged from the
MTTs and advanced on the shields. Behind the battle droids, AATs, droidekas,
and reserve transports crept closer.
The moment the droids passed through the shield bubble, General Ceel launched a
counterattack. Using cestas and atlatls, the Gungans disabled wave after wave
of battle droids. Unfortunately, the Trade Federation forces concentrated their
fire on the shield generators, eventually destroying the Gungan equipment and
disabling the shields. OOM-9 pushed his AATs forward to finish the Gungan Grand
Army.
While catapults slowed the AATs, the militiagungs clashed with the battle
droids in close-quarters combat. Wielding their cestas as staffs and their
atlatls as clubs, the Gungans clobbered dozens of droids. But General Ceel
quickly realized that the battle had been lost. The advancing AATs would soon
bear down on the Gungans, and the dangerous droidekas had already claimed many
lives. Ceel reluctantly ordered a full retreat. Gungan cavalry mounted on kaadu
rescued the wounded, while the most courageous Gungans stood their ground to
provide others time to escape. Amid the chaos, the Gungans managed to destroy a
few additional AATs, but these victories came too late.
OOM-9 assumed that his flanking forces would stop any retreat, but these
smaller armies never arrived and over half of the Gungan Grand Army managed to
reach the swamps. Battle droids and droidekas surrounded the remaining Gungans,
including General Ceel, Captain Tarpals, and General Binks. By this point, the
Grand Army's command structure had completely collapsed. While some Gungans
realized that surrender was their only option, others braced themselves for a
final fight. In the end, neither would be necessary: Just as the Trade
Federation closed around the last of the Gungans, and PK units scoured the
battlefield to recover blaster rifles and droid parts, Anakin Skywalker
destroyed the Droid Control Ship. Without the ship's signal, OOM-9 and the rest
of the battle droid army became inert.
Although Boss Nass and General Ceel would not call the Great Grass Plains
Battle a stirring victory, all Gungans are proud of the Army's efforts on the
battlefield. Five hundred and forty-three Gungans lost their lives, but the
"distraction" ultimately led to the liberation of Naboo.
Since the Battle of Naboo, the Gungans have become a much more open society.
They now interact with the Naboo and are even beginning to become involved in
matters outside of their homeworld. Under Boss Nass' leadership, the Gungans
have also reached the stars and colonized the Naboo moon of Ohma-D'un.
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2.5 - Rebal Alliance
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Founded in the early days of Emperor Palpatine's rule, the Rebel Alliance (more
properly known as the Alliance to Restore the Republic) was a small band of
idealistic and heroic soldiers who joined together to oppose the Empire's
tyranny and ultimately bring peace and freedom to the galaxy.
The resistance movement against the Empire can trace its roots to the Imperial
Senate, where a handful of politicians began plotting in secret to topple
Palpatine's rule. Eventually, Palpatine exposed these "rebels" and launched a
campaign of terror against them. Many dissidents were arrested or murdered, but
Senators Mon Mothma and Garm Bel Iblis, both influential and vocal opponents of
the Emperor's "New Order," managed to escape. They disappeared into hiding,
only resurfacing briefly to meet with Senator Bail Organa on Corellia. At the
clandestine meeting, the trio agreed that only an armed insurrection could stop
Palpatine. Soon after, Mothma drafted the Declaration to Restore the Republic,
which officially founded the Alliance.
Garm Bel Iblis and Mon Mothma began actively recruiting individuals, planets,
and even entire systems for the Rebellion. The Rebels were joined by hundreds
of pilots, soldiers, technicians, and officers who wished to see the Empire
fall. Meanwhile, Bail Organa and his daughter, Princess Leia Organa, covertly
aided the Alliance while maintaining their positions within the Senate.
Princess Leia eventually secured the plans to the Death Star, a dangerous
superweapon capable of vaporizing an entire planet. Darth Vader, the Emperor's
Sith apprentice, pursued and captured Leia, but the princess had already set
events in motion that would ensure the Death Star plans reached the Rebel
Alliance.
Charged with locating and crushing the Rebels, Vader interrogated Princess
Leia, to no avail. Grand Moff Tarkin, the mastermind behind the Death Star,
then threatened to destroy Leia's homeworld of Alderaan unless she revealed the
location of the Alliance's secret base. Princess Leia seemingly relented, but
Tarkin unleashed the Death Star anyway in order to test the battle station's
superlaser and engender fear in all who would oppose the Empire. Billions died
with Alderaan, including Bail Organa. This proved a serious setback to the
Alliance, as Organa was instrumental in mediating disagreements between the
militant Garm Bel Iblis and more subtle Mon Mothma. After Bail Organa's death,
a rift divided the two remaining leaders and Bel Iblis soon abandoned the
Alliance. In hindsight, however, the destruction of Alderaan may have also been
the Empire's greatest mistake for it galvanized the Rebels; previously
unaligned systems, now horrified at the Empire's wanton evil, flocked to join
the Alliance.
The first major conflict between the Alliance and Imperial forces occurred at
the Battle of Yavin. During the clash, Rebel pilot Luke Skywalker succeeded in
destroying the Death Star, killing Grand Moff Tarkin and many other Imperial
leaders in the process. The Empire would have its revenge three years later at
the Battle of Hoth, when a contingent of Imperial forces led by Darth Vader,
General Veers, and Admiral Piett invaded the ice planet Hoth and overtook the
Alliance's secret Echo Base. Numerous Alliance soldiers and pilots lost their
lives during the clash, but the bulk of the Alliance personnel managed to
escape.
A year after the Alliance's defeat on Hoth, the Alliance organized a massive
offensive in order to attack the Empire's new Death Star. As the Alliance fleet
massed near Sullust, a small strike team led by General Han Solo descended to
the forest moon of Endor to destroy the second Death Star's shield generator.
Although it was soon discovered that the Death Star attack was part of an
elaborate plan by the Emperor to ambush the Rebels, the timely intervention of
Endor's Ewoks and brilliant leadership ensured an Alliance victory. Palpatine
perished aboard the second Death Star and his death crippled the Empire. The
Rebel Alliance quickly evolved into the New Republic, the galaxy's current
ruling body.
During the height of the Galactic Civil War, the Rebel Alliance was composed of
several informal divisions that included pilots, technicians, and others who
aided the cause. Perhaps no other group sacrificed more for the Alliance than
its highly-trained infantry, who fought bravely against impossible odds and in
every conceivable terrain. Throughout the Civil War, the Alliance ground troops
were called upon to defend their fellow Rebels with only outdated artillery and
a handful of well-used BlasTech DH-17 blasters. Yet the Rebel infantry units
managed to strike major blows against the well-armed Imperial troops during
both the Battle of Hoth and the Battle of Endor.
The soldiers assigned to the Rebel infantry served a variety of functions
during the Galactic Civil War. First and foremost, they were stationed at every
Rebel base as a last line of protection against invading Imperials. On Hoth,
for example, they established defensive trenches equipped with Golan Arms DF.9
anti-infantry batteries and Atgar 1.4 FD P-Tower antivehicle artillery units to
stall an onslaught of AT-ATs and other Imperial forces. Rebel infantry members
also served aboard some Rebel starships to protect important crew members. In
some instances, they were assigned patrol, scout, and sentry duties. The most
skilled Rebel troops became elite commandos. Under the leadership of General
Crix Madine, these commandos attacked sensitive Imperial installations to
further the Alliance's cause.
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2.6 - Royal Naboo
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Heralded as one of the galaxy's most enlightened human cultures, the Naboo
built their great civilization from humble beginnings. Over the centuries, the
Naboo have evolved from simple colonists to artists, scholars, and inventors.
The Naboo's history begins about 3,950 BBY , on the planet Grizmallt, with the
rise of Queen Elsinor? den Tasia. To begin her reign, Tasia introduced a new
age of exploration and colonization. Under her rule, Grizmallt spent the next
several decades launching hundreds of expeditions into the wilds of space. Most
of these missions failed, the colony ships destroyed or lost as they searched
for habitable worlds far beyond the known hyperlanes. In the final days of her
life, Queen Tasia personally sponsored the last such expedition. With the
blessing of a famous Jedi Master, the colony ship Beneficent Tasia and its
support starships, Constant and Mother Vima, left Grizmallt in search of
fortune and glory. The expedition targeted the galaxy's dangerous southern
quadrant, then home to a handful of settlements. On Grizmallt, Queen Tasia's
dying wish was that this last expedition would find a home deep within
undiscovered space. Shortly after she perished, however, the Beneficent Tasia
also went silent.
The inhabitants of Grizmallt assumed that the Beneficent Tasia had been lost,
but the starship did, in fact, survive the many hazards of unknown space.
Although severely damaged and unable to contact Grizmallt, the expedition
eventually reached Naboo's orbit. As if guided by Tasia's last wish, the
settlers discovered that Naboo was a pastoral, peaceful world rich in natural
resources and quite capable of supporting human life. In approximately 3,900
BBY, the Grizmallt colonists officially landed on Naboo.
Within weeks of their arrival, the settlers encountered the Gungans, the
planet's native sentient species. Although immediately distrustful of one
another, neither species attacked the other, and the humans were allowed to
establish their first settlement without incident. Over the next several
decades, the settlers slowly spread across the planet's largest landmass,
building cities and villages to support their growing numbers. The human
colonists kept to the grassy plains and ocean coastlines, only occasionally
treading into Gungan territory. Despite this, tension between the humans (who
had now taken to calling themselves the Naboo after their new homeworld) and
the Gungans remained strong.
Life on Naboo did not prove particularly difficult and the colonists soon found
that they had a great deal of time for the arts and sciences. They established
an electoral monarchy, built beautiful cities such as Theed, and maintained a
peaceful culture that advocates education, the arts, ecology, and scientific
achievement. The planet is a respected member of the Republic and its leaders
are viewed as well-educated and socially adept.
The Naboo are rigid pacifists. As a result, conflicts between Naboo communities
and with the Gungans are non-existent. And, while the Naboo research and invent
a wide range of new technology, this rarely extends into weapons of war. The
Naboo recognize the need to defend themselves, but most combat vehicles and
weapons have been imported from other systems; the Naboo then modify this
equipment to suit their needs and protect the environment.
Unfortunately, although generally well-educated, the Naboo are somewhat na?ve
and consider their comfortable way of life as a birthright. In addition, many
Naboo once viewed the planet's other sentient species, the Gungans, with some
suspicion and prejudice. Specifically, the Naboo believed that the Gungans are
barbaric and less intelligent because they maintain a warlike culture.
Fortunately, most of these prejudices dissolved when Queen Amidala and Boss
Nass brought the two species together during the Battle of Naboo.
While the Naboo were not nearly as active in the Republic as other systems,
they did maintain a presence in the Senate before the rise of the Empire. In 52
BBY , the Naboo elected Senator Palpatine to the Galactic Senate; in time, he
would become Supreme Chancellor and one of the most powerful men in the galaxy.
Naboo and its populace were thrust into the galactic consciousness in 32 BBY
when war erupted with the Trade Federation. Angry over the Republic's new
policy to tax the Free Trade Routes, the Trade Federation singled out peaceful
Naboo, Palpatine's homeworld, for a devastating blockade. Under the leadership
of Nute Gunray and Rune Haako, the Trade Federation held Naboo captive, finally
launching a full-scale invasion of the planet. The Naboo were ill-equipped to
defend themselves against such an attack, although several resistance groups
did emerge to fight the Trade Federation forces.
Despite the efforts of the Royal Security Forces, the Trade Federation easily
captured the capital city of Theed. However, Gunray could not imprison Queen
Amidala, who was rescued by Jedi and taken to Coruscant. Appearing before the
Galactic Senate, Amidala called a Vote of No Confidence in Supreme Chancellor
Finis Valorum; soon after, Valorum was deposed and Palpatine was elected in his
place.
Amidala returned to Naboo with a powerful entourage that included the Jedi
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi; a former slave named Anakin Skywalker; Jar Jar
Binks, a Gungan outcast; the Queen's loyal handmaidens; and Captain Panaka,
Amidala's faithful and courageous personal bodyguard. With Jar Jar's help,
Amidala found the Gungans and forged a peace with their ruler Boss Nass. Under
Nass' leadership, the Gungan Grand Army marched against the Trade Federation
while the Queen's Royal Security Forces launched a raid on Theed. Amidala
herself captured Nute Gunray, while the Space Fighter Corps attacked the Trade
Federation's Droid Control Ship. Skywalker struck the final blow, destroying
the Droid Control Ship. The planet was finally free, and the Naboo and Gungans
had, at last, forged a powerful alliance.
Even after their war with the Trade Federation, the Naboo remain pacifists.
They maintain only a small army of volunteer soldiers known as the Royal
Security Forces. The RSF includes the Space Fighter Corps that employs sleek
N-1 starfighters as their vehicle of choice. The RSF's Security Guard is
largely responsible for keeping the peace in major cities, such as Theed, while
the Palace Guard is charged with protecting the King or Queen and the royal
court. During combat situations or emergencies, RSF ground forces deploy a
small cadre of vehicles, including the Gian and Flash speeders.
==============================================================================
2.7 - Trade Federation
==============================================================================
Founded three hundred and fifty years before the Battle of Yavin, the Trade
Federation was originally intended to represent merchants and traders
throughout the galaxy. However, over time, it became one of the most powerful
forces in the galaxy and a dangerous threat to peace and freedom.
Composed of officials from numerous systems, the Trade Federation was always
considered greedy and immoral. Using its ever-increasing wealth, the
organization focused on seizing major trade routes, knowing that ownership of
these spacelanes gave the Trade Federation tremendous political and economic
power. By fourty years before the Battle of Yavin, the Trade Federation
effectively controlled every known Old Republic trade route and hundreds of
dependent systems.
Thirty-two years before the Battle of Yavin, at the urging of Senator Palpatine
of Naboo, Supreme Chancellor Valorum began a campaign to diminish the Trade
Federation's power. As a result, the Galactic Senate passed Resolution BR-0371,
a seemingly innocuous law that imposed a tariff on all major hyperspace trading
routes throughout the Outer and Mid Rims. The resolution was a resounding
success because all income from the taxation of the so-called "Free Trade
Zones" would be used for relief and development of the outlying systems. But
because the Trade Federation dominated the Free Trade Zones, the corporation
was the hardest hit by the new legislation. In the months after the
resolution's passage, the Trade Federation's profits decreased dramatically.
The Trade Federation responded immediately to the threat of BR-0371. While the
Trade Federation Senator Lott Dod argued vehemently against taxation, the
corporation's Executive Board began planning a bold counterstrike. Under the
leadership of Viceroy Nute Gunray and his lieutenant Rune Haako, the Trade
Federation began constructing a massive secret army. Striking deals with
Baktoid Armor Workshop, Haor Chall Engineering, and even the Colicoid Creation
Nest, the Trade Federation stocked its cargo vessels with powerful battle
tanks, deadly droid starfighters, hordes of battle droids, and menacing
droidekas. After testing this army on Lok and other Outer Rim worlds, the Trade
Federation prepared for war.
Six months after the passage of BR-0371, the Trade Federation struck at Naboo,
Senator Palpatine's homeworld. On Gunray's orders, a fleet of Trade Federation
battleships created a blockade around the peaceful world to prevent the import
and export of goods. The blockade lasted several weeks and the Naboo's plight
became desperate as necessary supplies dwindled. When the Senate still refused
to overturn BR-0371, the Trade Federation finally unleashed its secret army and
invaded Naboo. Gunray planned to capture the capital city of Theed and force
Queen Amidala to sign a treaty granting the Trade Federation ownership of the
planet.
Gunray's plan fell apart when the Jedi Knights intervened in the crisis and
rescued Amidala. Soon after, the Battle of Naboo erupted, pitting the Trade
Federation against the combined might of the Gungan Grand Army and the Naboo
Royal Security Forces. While the Gungans distracted the Trade Federation Army,
the Queen and her loyal RSF soldiers recaptured Theed. In the chaos, Naboo's
Bravo Flight managed to launch an attack on the Trade Federation's vital Droid
Control Ship. Anakin Skywalker destroyed the DCS, rendering the Trade
Federation's army harmless. Nute Gunray, the overseer of the invasion, was
taken into custody, but avoided any serious punishment and soon returned to his
prominent role within the organization.
In the years following the Battle of Naboo, the Trade Federation remained a
formidable power in the galaxy. Although most of its initial army had been
dismantled, the Trade Federation quickly formed new alliances and began
rebuilding its military might. At one point, the Trade Federation even formed
an elite assassination corps in a failed attempt to exact revenge on the Jedi.
Twenty-nine years before the Battle of Yavin, the Old Republic ordered the
Trade Federation to disband its military, but the corporation never fully
complied with this directive and maintained a secret army.
When the Confederacy of Independent Systems was formed twenty years before the
Battle of Yavin, the Trade Federation found a suitable place to align
themselves with others who opposed the rulings of the Galactic Senate. Using
Nute Gunray's hatred for Queen Amidala of Naboo, the cunning CIS leader Count
Dooku lured the Trade Federation into joining the secessionists by promising
the assassination of Amidala, now serving as a Senator. Although they had not
yet publicly supported the CIS because the assassination attempts had failed,
the Trade Federation leaders and a considerable portion of its military forces
where present on Geonosis during the first battle of the Clone Wars. Now the
secret hand of the Trade Federation had been revealed and it had no alternative
but to join the CIS in the burgeoning war efforts against the Republic.
==============================================================================
2.8 - Wookiees
==============================================================================
One of the most respected - and feared - species in the galaxy, Wookiees are
towering, fur-covered humanoids native to Kashyyyk. Well-known for their
strength and bestial fits of rage, Wookiees are also intelligent, loyal, and
trusting. Among the species, bravery and honor are considered paramount.
Kashyyyk, the Wookiee homeworld, is a lush planet covered in trees. The
Wookiees occupy the upper reaches of these vast forests, building their homes
high atop the branches of towering wroshyr trees. Most Wookiee cities consist
of hundreds of huts connected by wooden platforms, bridges, and ropes. However,
while Wookiees may appear primitive, they are actually quite comfortable with
technology and can easily learn to pilot starships, repair machines, and wield
advanced weaponry.
An average Wookiee grows to more than two meters tall and lives several times
the lifetime of a human. Aside from their great strength and keen senses, they
possess regenerative powers and can recover from serious wounds within days.
They also have retractable claws, although these are used only for climbing
trees and are never exposed during combat.
Wookiees speak Shyriiwook, a language consisting of grunts, growls, roars,
hoots, and screeches. They can understand other languages, but have limited
vocal capability and can only speak their own tongue.
The Wookiee species is psychologically stable and has a deep connection to
nature. They love their homeworld and have a deep affinity for animals, plants,
and other components of the natural world. Wookiees can also be strongly
attuned to the Force.
Wookiees place great value on morality, courage, compassion, and loyalty. Very
few Wookiees willingly betray their friends or families, although Vargi,
Chewbacca's brother-in-law, once aided a group of slavers trying to enslave the
denizens of Kashyyyk. Typical of their beliefs is the Wookiee life debt, an
oath of fealty extended to anyone who saves the life of a Wookiee. When
Chewbacca was rescued from slavers by Han Solo, he extended this oath to his
savior and has risked his own life countless times to protect his friend.
Finally, Wookiees feel that they are honored by their own deeds, and thus they
do not care for medals or other material symbols of bravery or achievement.
Although not necessarily warlike, Wookiees can be fierce warriors and deadly
opponents, especially when angered or threatened. Kashyyyk does not have a
standing army, but Wookiees will rally to protect one another, and families
often join forces to repel various threats, including Trandoshan slavers.
Legendary are the stories of the Wookiee berserkers, who are capable of
single-handedly defeating a legion of Imperial stomtroopers or a cadre of
highly-paid mercenaries. While Wookiees are capable of producing and using and
wide range of weapons, they generally prefer to carry hand-crafted bowcasters
or ryyk blades into battle.
Unfortunately, the Wookiees' fabled strength became a commodity during the
Galactic Civil War. The Empire, hoping to use the Wookiees for slave labor,
tried to imprison the entire planet. Working with Tradoshan slavers, the Empire
captured thousands of Wookiees. Those Wookiees who escaped the Imperial slave
pens managed to form a resistance movement and launched several effective
counter attacks, ensuring that the Empire never took complete control of the
planet.
Throughout the Galactic Civil War, Wookiee innovation and desperation led the
species to invent several new weapons of war to combat the Imperial threat. As
with many other aspects of their technology, the Wookiees combined materials
from their natural surroundings with advanced technology to produce a number of
effective "deterrents," including catapults and battering rams. Mounted troops,
skilled assault soldiers, and the brave Wookiee berserkers continually
attacked Imperial installations on Kashyyyk, chased away slavers, and fought
valiantly to free their imprisoned brethren.
When the Rebel Alliance finally defeated the Empire, Kashyyyk, long a member
world of the Old Republic, became an important addition to the New Republic.
==============================================================================
3. Planets
==============================================================================
The galaxy is a vast and largely-uncharted network of systems, suns and
planets. Throughout its history, the Old Republic, the Trade Federation, the
Empire, and the New Republic have all, at one time or another, occupied many of
its diverse and unique worlds. Each has a distinct geography and history, but
all are somehow intertwined with the galactic story of conquest and liberty.
==============================================================================
3.1 - Alaris Prime
==============================================================================
Alaris Prime, a small moon, hidden by a large gas giant, and thus, undeveloped
and ignored for eons, lies on the outer arm of the Kashyyyk system. Alaris is
characterized by thick forests, temperate oceans, and the occasional stand of
wroshyr trees.
The Wookiees have many legends about how the immense wroshyr tree, native to
Kashyyyk, migrated across the vacuum of space to Alaris, but no definite theory
has emerged.
Alaris Prime was discovered independently by Wookiee explorers, who petitioned
the Galactic Senate to allow colonization. The Republic endeavors to prevent
territorial disputes, dispensing colonization rights slowly and deliberately. A
resource-rich planet, capable of supporting numerous races, Alaris Prime was
finally awarded to the Wookiees after two decades of deliberation.
The Trade Federation expressed an interest in the small moon, no doubt
forecasting that Alaris Prime could be an important way-station for trade
between Kashyyyk, Bimmisaari, and even Kessel. The Wookies, as rightful
settlers, however, took issue and defended their territory, along with two Jedi
sent from Coruscant.
Later, Alaris Prime grew into a thriving community, becoming a technological
hub for the Wookiees, and the Galactic Republic.
==============================================================================
3.2 - Avator Orbital Platform
==============================================================================
A joint venture between a Trandoshan slaver corporation and the Empire, Avatar
Orbital Platform was constructed to facilitate the transport and sale of
Wookiee slaves captured on the nearby planet Kashyyyk. A source of fear and
sadness for the Wookiees, Avatar was often the final stop for families before
they were separated and sent to the far reaches of the galaxy.
As with most Imperial facilities, Avatar was ugly but functional, with little
regard for its very scenic locale, floating above the jewel of Kashyyyk. The
orbital station was equipped with rudimentary defenses, designed to discourage
any Rebel interference in the slave trade.
==============================================================================
3.3 - Bespin
==============================================================================
Though the name Bespin actually refers to the planet, a gas giant on the
outermost arm of its system, the title is often used to describe Cloud City as
well. Bespin is a large gas giant, roughly118,000 kilometers across, located
in the system of the same name. The planet has layer upon layer of gaseous
atmosphere, only a thin band of which is inhabitable by organic creatures. The
species indigenous to Bespin are uniquely evolved to make use of the rarified
atmosphere, flying and floating through it like a giant ocean. Beasts like the
sharp-toothed velkers feed on immense living gas bags called beldons. It is
thought the beldons may metabolize gas to form Tibanna gas, the special and
valuable vapor responsible for the construction of floating mining colonies
such as Cloud City.
Floating repulsorlift cities are notoriously hard to build and maintain, but
the lure of Tibanna mining has made such projects more attractive to mining
corporations. The first such settlement, known as Tibannopolis, lies disused
and crumbling several kilometers away from Cloud City. It is a haven for
smugglers and independent prospectors. Cloud City, on the other hand, is a
profitable mining city, with casinos and expensive hotels on its upper layers,
and cramped industrial quarters in its lower regions. The bulk of the
workforce is comprised of Ugnaughts, from nearby Gentes. The city is ruled by a
Baron Administrator, the most recent being Lando Calrissian, who won the colony
from the previous Baron, Raynor, in a sabacc match-with some help from the
cybernetically-enhanced Lobot. The aide sought to free the city from Baron
Raynor's draconian grip, and found a friend and trusted ally in Calrissian.
Later, Cloud City became the focal point in Darth Vader's attempt to trap Luke
Skywalker. Calrissian was forced to betray his friends, Han Solo and Chewbacca,
but later used Lobot and the city guard to free the Rebels. In the resulting
aftermath, the Empire seized Cloud City and garrisoned in it.
==============================================================================
3.4 - Coruscant
==============================================================================
When Luke Skywalker refers to "a bright center to the universe" in Star Wars,
he is describing the planet Coruscant before the Galactic Empire took control.
The capital planet throughout the thriving years of the Old Republic is
entirely made up of a single city, densely populated by more than a trillion
residents in its prime. Coruscant was also home to the Senate, where the laws
of the galaxy were created, as well as the Jedi Temple, which included Jedi
training facilities, the Jedi Council chambers, and a Jedi Library that
contained the entire recorded history of the galaxy.
Inhabitants of this world-city live in layer upon layer of buildings, with the
upper class living at the very top. The endless skylanes of speeder traffic,
air buses, and transports keep the surface bustling and illuminated all day and
night. The lowest levels of the city are mostly deserted except for those brave
or savage enough to survive in these uncharted depths.
The Jewel of the galaxy was forever tarnished once Supreme Chancellor Palpatine
was granted emergency powers, using Coruscant as his staging ground for the
Clone Wars. Legions of clonetroopers were housed in massive Republic Transports
across the planet, turning the galaxy's ultimate metropolis into its largest
military base.
Under the rule of the Emperor, the capital became known as Imperial City and
the grand culture of Coruscant slowly eroded as the planet became the focal
point for the Empire's domination of the galaxy. It wasn't until four years
after the Battle of Yavin, when the Rebellion defeated the Empire at the Battle
of Endor, that Coruscant began to return to its former glory. But this was a
slow process: it took another three years for the New Republic to recapture
Coruscant.
Since then, Coruscant has faced many attacks, occupations, plagues, and other
destructive forces, but the planet and its people have always come back to
restore and rebuild. The history and legacy of Coruscant live on, even in the
darkest times.
==============================================================================
3.5 - Eredenn
==============================================================================
Eredenn is the fourth planet in the Erediss system. It is a partially frozen
world, with huge areas of snowy fields and ice lakes, but the snow covers a
fertile land that blossoms in the warm season. Eredenn is inhospitable in the
cold season, and in the most remote regions does not see light for half of the
year. Eredenn has three moons, none of which is habitable.
The Republic is thought to have a secret base of operations here, from which
several military projects are run. But little is known about the weapons being
developed here.
==============================================================================
3.6 - Forest Moons of Endor
==============================================================================
Located in the remote Endor system in the Moddell sector, Endor is a massive
gas giant orbited by nine moons, the largest of which is alternately known as
the Sanctuary Moon, the Forest Moon, or simply Endor. The moon's landscape is
dominated by vast expanses of giant forests, broken by grasslands, small
oceans, secluded lakes, and mountain ranges. The climate on the Forest Moon is
temperate and mild, with polar caps regulating the sea levels.
The Endor system itself is rarely traveled because the gas giant exerts complex
gravitational forces on hyperspace lanes, and star-charts contain little
helpful information for navigating the sector. Due to its remote location, the
Empire chose to build the second Death Star in the Endor system. To defend the
superweapon during construction, Imperial engineers installed a protective
shield generator on the Forest Moon.. The Emperor allowed information about
the second Death Star to reach the Rebellion, hoping to trap the Alliance near
Endor. When Rebel saboteurs arrived on the forest moon to destroy the shield
generator, they were ambushed by a garrison of the Empire's elite stormtroopers.
Fortunately, the Emperor's plans backfired when the native Ewoks rose up
against the Imperials.The Empire had previously determined that the natives
were 'harmless' and were ill-prepared to combat the furry warriors. The Ewoks
helped free the Rebel strike team led by Han Solo and Princess Leia, who then
went on to disable the shield generator. With the shield down, Lando
Calrissian and Wedge Antilles attacked and destroyed the Death Star, thus
signaling the end of the Galactic Civil War and a return to freedom for the
galaxy.
As a note of curiosity, years later, Princess Leia would return to the site and
be chilled to feel the lingering dark side energy of the slain Emperor,
circling the planet in ghostly orbit.
==============================================================================
3.7 - Geonosis
==============================================================================
Located in the Outer Rim less than a parsec away from Tatooine, the red rock
planet of Geonosis is home to insect-like inhabitants. Geonosis' most notable
feature is an asteroid field which forms a ring around the planet. The surface
is nearly featureless except for spires, stalactites, and other rock
formations. The Geonosians live in the caves and build their dwellings and
immense droid factories right into the hard rock of the planet's surface.
Geonosians live in a rigid class-based society that includes a warrior caste
populated by deadly, flying Geonosians and a worker caste consisting of
wingless drones.
Thousands upon thousands of Geonosian workers toil tirelessly in the dark
recesses of the planet to make Geonosis one of the largest producers of droids
and armaments. In fact, Geonosis provides the bulk of the battle droids used by
the Trade Federation and other supporters of Count Dooku's secessionist
movement.
The most famous event in the history of Geonosis occurred twenty-two years
before the Battle of Yavin when the Republic clone army came to the rescue of
many Jedi, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Mace Windu, who were
about to be killed by Dooku and his group of secessionists. A full-scale ground
battle ensued marking the beginning of the Clone Wars. The Confederacy of
Independent Systems' troops retreated and the production of the planet's
foundries was crippled by the following Republic occupation.
==============================================================================
3.8 - Hanoon
==============================================================================
Once the barren asteroid known as Geddes, the Imperial-controlled rock called
Hanoon housed several strategic bases, part of the Empire's plan to increase
its presence in the Both system. The asteroid is part of a cluster of ancient
rocks caught loosely in the gravitational field of Krant. Rich in mineral
resources, Hanoon was the site of several mining outposts before the Empire
moved in. It also saw action between Rebel and Imperial forces during the
short liberation of Krant.
Hanoon is a world in transition though. Like other terraformed planets, Hanoon
now has life where once there was none. Transplanted from other worlds, flora
and fauna have taken hold on the new planet on the rocky expanses and newly
formed seas. Rich in many valuable minerals and elements, Hanoon will one day
be a thriving planet.
It is rumored that a Jedi Knight perished while destroying the Vor'Na'Tu
artifact on Hanoon, but this could be pure speculation. It is unclear how this
unnamed Jedi survived the Emperor's Jedi purge, nor is it known what he or she
was doing with such a powerful artifact on the once desolate planetoid.
==============================================================================
3.9 - Hoth
==============================================================================
Hoth is the sixth planet in a system of the same name, located along the Ison
Corridor on the fringes of civilized space. The planet's surface is one
continuous plane of ice and snow, broken only by frozen mountain ridges and
glaciers. Curiously, its two main species are quite large, despite an apparent
dearth of food. The tauntaun is a furred-reptilian beast, covered in thick
hair, and subsisting on lichen found in Hoth's many ice caves. Unfortunately
for the tauntaun, its primary predator also resides in these caves. The
ferocious wampa boasts massive claws and teeth, and a dangerous reach of almost
2 meters. Due to its hostile terrain and fauna, Hoth is not even listed on
most star charts, making this an excellent choice for a Rebel base.
Discovered by Luke Skywalker, Hoth's remote location promised seclusion and
safety for the beleaguered Rebels. After a long galaxy-wide search, they
settled at last in Hoth's snow caves and natural tunnels, receiving their food
and supplies through smugglers and pirates like Dash Rendar. But soon after
they had arrived, the Rebels began enduring constant wampa attacks.
Resourceful droid R2-D2 hit on a solution: a sonic lure was used to confuse and
capture many of the creatures. Unfortunately, a handful of wampas still
prowled the high plains, and it was one of these that attacked Skywalker and
his tauntaun. Shortly after Luke's recovery, the Rebels were discovered by an
Imperial probe droid, which beamed their position back to Lord Darth Vader.
The Dark Lord set plans in motion for an immediate invasion.
==============================================================================
3.10 - Kaer Orbital Platform
==============================================================================
The Kaer Orbital Platform is a secret Confederacy of Independant Systems base,
built in orbit of a gas giant in the Siskeen system. Its remote location near
the planet Tatooine places Kaer out of the watchful gaze of the Galactic
Republic and insures a secure location. Over two kilometers in length and
width, Kaer was entirely fabricated over the course of several months by the
InterGalactic Banking Clan, using materials specially ferried by Banking Clan
Cargo Ships. Kaer's primary purpose is to serve as a refueling and refitting
stop for Confederacy of Independant Systems forces. Possessing storehouses of
raw materials and service bays, Kaer stands ready to serve the needs of the
generals of the Confederacy of Independant Planets.
==============================================================================
3.11 - Kashyyyk
==============================================================================
Visitors to Kashyyyk are initially awed by the enormous wroshyr trees, in whose
branches the Wookiees make their homes and cities. Awe turns to trepidation
when they are warned of the lower levels of the tree canopies, where vicious
predators like the katarn exist. Even further down, where the sunlight can no
longer penetrate, an unlucky traveler might meet fanged bioluminescent hunters,
and other creatures so disgusting the Wookiees are reluctant to even name them.
The giant furred warriors known as Wookiees are the planet's most-developed
lifeform. The Wookiees have a complex social system based on honor, respect
for the environment, and the notion of the 'life-debt', a pledge sworn by a
Wookiee to another being affirming his lifelong loyalty and protection.
Chewbacca swore such a debt to Han Solo, after the young pirate rescued him
from one of the many Trandoshan slaving camps.
The reptilian Trandoshans occupy another planet in the Kashyyyk system, but the
two societies maintain an ancient feud. More recently, with the help of the
Empire, the Trandoshans intensified the conflict, conducting raids to enslave
the Wookiee population. The strong, technically-proficient species make for
excellent workers, once the Empire breaks their independent spirits. It was
the ex-slave Chewbacca who finally returned to Kashyyyk, overthrew the Empire,
and freed his people.
==============================================================================
3.12 - Kessel
==============================================================================
The galaxy's constant demand for highly-addictive glitterstim has fueled
development on Kessel, which is showing no signs of abating. The reddish
misshapen planetoid lacks a breathable atmosphere, and boasts arid alkaline
fields, active volcanoes and dangerous predators. Nevertheless, the profit on
glitterstim is more than enough to justify the addition of massive
oxygen-producing factories that continually pump out breathable air, only to
have it lost in Kessel's thin atmosphere and low gravity.
Although the Empire officially controlled Kessel and its spice production,
smugglers and gangsters regularly made runs back and forth, shipping the
glitterstim to Tatooine and other remote worlds for distribution. Complicating
the smuggling operations were the number of nearby black holes that make a
straight shot to Kessel difficult. Captain Han Solo once boasted his ship made
the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs, meaning he must have passed
dangerously close to one of the black holes to shortcut his journey.
Kessel was also the site of a high-security Imperial prison and labor camp,
hosting some of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. The prisoners were
forced to work deep in the spice mines, under brutal conditions, for the profit
of the Empire. As the New Republic moved to capture Coruscant, sixteen of the
worst thugs were rescued from Kessel by Rogue Squadron, and set loose on
Coruscant to wreak havoc and distract the remnants of the Empire.
==============================================================================
3.13 - Krant
==============================================================================
Located in the crowded center of the Both system, Krant is a newly-colonized
planet thick with temperate forests and cliffs. The trees of Krant are a
spectacular multi-colored variety, which glow in the diffuse sunsets and shed
their enormous leaves in two seasonal cycles. The predators of Krant are few
and far between, leaving a large ecological niche in which herbivores and
insects thrive. The Krantian songbirds fill the night sky with their calls and
melodies, making for a bucolic, if noisy, setting for the newly-arrived
colonists. The two major cities are Peche and Thennes, both mainly
agricultural in nature, but possessing small security forces.
Krant possesses two moons, one of which, Aereen, is a rich source of minerals
and resources. The Trade Federation has turned an interested eye toward
Aereen, and has established a mining colony on the dusty moon.
The proximity to Bothan homeworld Bothawui made this planet a strategic
rendezvous point for Bothan spies and their contacts during the Galactic Civil
War. The Rebellion frequently used the planet in its desperate attempt to
gather information on the Empire. Although technically in 'neutral' space,
Krant was scouted by the Empire several times for possible base locations. And
the interest of Imperial Moff Yittreas meant the Rebels' safe haven became more
and more dangerous.
==============================================================================
3.14 - Naboo
==============================================================================
A glittering jewel in the Outer Rim, Naboo is renowned throughout the galaxy as
a center for peace and learning. Its beautiful cities exist in harmony with
the surrounding green grasslands and rolling hills. The climate is temperate,
and the more dangerous predators are relegated mainly to Naboo's unique watery
core. Unlike most planets, which have molten lava for their core, Naboo is
hollow, and filled with oceans running through its center. It is in these deep
waters that the ferocious Sando Aqua and Opee Sea Killers are found.
In addition to the human Naboo, there is a civilized indigenous species: the
Gungans. Unlike the peace-loving Naboo, the Gungans maintain a standing army,
and have been known to clash with each other in intertribal conflict. Mostly
the Gungan Bosses keep the peace, and there is time to concentrate on the finer
things, such as the continual refinement of the hydrostatic bubble technology
that supports their underwater cities. At one point, although the Naboo and
Gungans were not in active conflict, there was undeniable tension between them,
and they rarely mixed.
The peaceful Naboo were taken utterly by surprise when the Trade Federation
launched an illegal invasion of their planet, and took control of the governing
bodies. Many Naboo perished under the harsh rule of the Neimoidian Viceroy.
The Queen ultimately forged an alliance with the Gungans and a dual-pronged
retaliatory attack was launched to free Naboo and capture the Viceroy.
==============================================================================
3.15 - Reytha
==============================================================================
Several planets have the rare distinction of being devoted entirely to food
production and exportation, and Reytha is foremost among them. The unique
microclimates existing on Reytha encourage the multi-season growth of most
major food crops. During the height of Imperial production, special
synthesizers and genetic inducer-droids were introduced to further boost
production, giving the planet the nickname of "breadbasket of the Empire."
Still ruled by a local governor, Reytha's main settlement is located at Yeere,
which has historically been the site of major fortresses and strongholds. The
almost exclusively agrarian nature of Reytha has discouraged crime and
smuggling elements, who find the planet 'too boring' to infiltrate.
Reytha's climate is cooled by the enormous Montrosa Ocean, which is dotted by
the Montrosa Island chain. The pleasant climate of the islands attracts Mon
Calamari star tours and other leisure cruises, but the islands are considered
too small and isolated for major development.
==============================================================================
3.16 - Sarapin
==============================================================================
Sarapin is a volcanic world, located in the system of the same name. The
Sarapin system provides energy for a large part of the Galactic Republic, and
later the Galactic Empire. Sarapin is covered with lava flows, volcanoes and
volcanic ash. It is inhospitable to most creatures, save the indigenous
lifeforms, known as Vaapads, predators hunting to drain the energy from their
hapless victims.
The Galactic Republic maintains a massive operation geared around extracting
power from the lava flows and multiple active volcanoes. These Energy
Collection Facilities house laser drill extraction devices that measure nearly
forty meters high. The energy is collected and moved to an Energy Collection
Repository, for eventual shipment off-world.
Protected by a defensive grid, Sarapin was thought impregnable. Sometime
before the Battle of Yavin though, the defense grid was brought down, or
collapsed, allowing for the disruption of the precious power flow.
==============================================================================
3.17 - Tatooine
==============================================================================
Located just off the Corellian Run in the Tatoo system on the Outer Rim of the
galaxy, the harsh desert planet of Tatooine is a desolate world where very
little has thrived over the years, except for the illegal interests of the
ruling Hutts. Tatooine has two moons and circles twin suns. Its native
inhabitants include the violent Tusken Raiders and the scavenger Jawas; but
neither species are very receptive hosts, so the population of this planet
remains small. Only hubs of intergalactic scum and villainy like Mos Eisley and
Mos Espa offer any sort of "civilization" on Tatooine.
Even though the arid planet is relatively insignificant geographically, it is
the home planet of one of the galaxy's most notorious beings: Jedi Anakin
Skywalker, later known as the Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader. Thirty-two
years before the Battle of Yavin, a Royal Naboo Starship carrying the Queen of
Naboo, Padm? Amidala, and Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan
Kenobi, made an emergency landing on the outskirts of Mos Espa. It was then
that Qui-Gon discovered young Anakin in a small junk shop and his destiny began
to take shape.
Ten years later, Anakin returned to Tatooine and met his stepfather Cliegg Lars
and his stepbrother Owen Lars. Later, after Anakin turned to the dark side,
Obi-Wan Kenobi would take Anakin's infant son, Luke, back to Tatooine to be
raised in secret by Owen and his wife Beru. Just before the Battle of Yavin,
Luke Skywalker stumbled upon a message from his twin sister Leia, which led
Luke to Kenobi. This twist of fate began a series of events, which eventually
resulted in the demise of the Galactic Empire. Prior to the Battle of Endor,
Luke returned to Tatooine to rescue his friend Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt.
The gangster was killed during Solo's retrieval and Hutt rule of Tatooine ended.
==============================================================================
3.18 - Yavin 4
==============================================================================
The fourth moon of the gas giant Yavin has been host to more than its fair
share of galactic battles and showdowns. Millennia before the Rebellion's
attack on the Death Star, the Sith Lord Naga Sadow marooned himself and his
Massassi bodyguards on the planet. The Massassi were later engaged in a
massive conflict between Sith and Jedi and all perished.
Large, sprawling forests with tall canopies cover most of the humid landscape,
while volcanoes dominate the rare mountain ridges. The creatures native to
Yavin 4 exist mainly in the tropical jungles, where life teems and swarms in
the heat. Whisper birds soar above the canopies while runyips root through the
underbrush. Strange mucous salamanders emerge from the water, their spongy
skin hardening into a protective shell, while vicious piranha-beetles scour the
air in terrifying swarms.
Despite the dangers on Yavin 4, the planet proved to be a useful hideout for
Rebel forces after they fled Dantooine. The enormous Massassi Temples housed
their tactical and living quarters, as well as the small fleet of old
starfighters they possessed. The location of the base was ultimately betrayed
by the Millennium Falcon, a tracking device having been attached to the
starship during its stay on the Death Star. The Yavin base was saved by Luke
Skywalker, who destroyed the Death Star before the Imperials could use the
battle station's superlaser to demolish Yavin 4. Unfortunately, the Yavin base
ultimately fell when Darth Vader returned with ground troops and aerial
bombardment. Rebel general Jan Dodonna stayed behind during the evacuation,
risking his life to set off a series of concussion charges that destroyed an
entire wing of TIE bombers.
==============================================================================
3.19 - Zaloriis
==============================================================================
The desolate planet of Zaloriis is notable only for its role in the production
of the Imperial All-Terrain Armored Transports. General Veers worked
extensively to improve and update the walker design, but his research was
interrupted by a Rebel uprising.
Zaloriis City is considered the main settlement, but even that is not a popular
destination on the barren sandy rock. The high winds of Zaloriis keep life to
a minimum, but the sheltering boulders of the Fantain Mountains harbor smaller
creatures and rock-lions. Legends speak of dune ghosts that wander the wastes
at night, and of travelers who never return from their journeys. The natives
respect the open deserts and keep well away from them, clustering in small
outposts connected by well-traveled roads.
The Imperials recognized the value of the Zaloriians' fear-it allowed them to
establish a research base out in the desert, with little concern for prying
eyes. In fact, their test vehicles often bolstered the legends and tall-tales,
as wanderers spotted the strange technologies being tested and reported back
exaggerated accounts at the local tavern. One tale that amused the Imperial
counter-spy network involved a man being confronted by a wheezing 50-foot
dune-cow, with giant tusks and a grey reptilian hide. Back at the research
base, the prototype walker was quickly rechristened "Dune Cow."
==============================================================================
4. Heroes and Villians
==============================================================================
Throughout all time, there have been those who embrace evil, and those who
stand against it. They come from different planets, different eras, different
species; all joined together in battle to decide whether their worlds shall be
ruled by tyranny or freedom. The stories of the heroes and villains of these
intergalactic wars are etched forever in the chronicles of the galaxy.
==============================================================================
4.1 - Attichitcuk
==============================================================================
Attichitcuk, the father of Chewbacca, was also a powerful leader in the Wookiee
community during his youth and middle years. At 350 years old, Attichitcuk is
an elder statesman, retired to the Chewbacca family tree, and content to play
with his grandson Lumpy. But in earlier times, Attichitcuk was known to lead
expeditions deep into the wroshyr forest depths on dangerous honor hunts. These
expeditions are an obligation of the Wookiee warrior class, and help to keep
the communities safe from predators lurking below the treehouses. Armed with
only his ryyk blade, Attichitcuk once killed a pack of twenty vicious katarns.
Ever modest, Attichitcuk's achievement was only discovered when his young son
found a collection of katarn dew claws, strung on a length of sinew. As his
son grew older, Attichitcuk settled down into a leadership role in the
community, advising the Wookiee councils and tribes on various issues. He
became known as a peacemaker and even-handed referee during inter-tribal
conflicts.
As a prominent member of the clan, Attichitcuk represented Kashyyyk in the
Republic negotiations for colonization rights to Alaris Prime. Once the lengthy
negotiations were concluded, Attichitcuk was awarded the honor of being part of
the initial colonization force. Once there, he encountered an illegal Trade
Federation presence and assumed the mantle of warrior once again to drive them
out of the Wookiees' hard-won home. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn arrived from
Coruscant to help settle the conflict, along with his new Padawan Obi-Wan
Kenobi.
Attichitcuk's next major encounter with humans would concern his son's
life-debt with a young man named Han Solo. Tired of continually pronouncing the
complex Wookiee name, Solo nicknamed him "Itchy." Now an older Wookie,
Attichitcuk accepted the tag genially, and it was soon adopted by all those
closest to him.
==============================================================================
4.2 - Boss Nass
==============================================================================
Boss Nass, the leader of the Gungan High Council, sometimes called the Rep
Council, actually traces his lineage to the rare and refined Ankura Gungans.
These Gungans are differentiated by their hooded eyes, broad, wide heads, and
green skin-a stark contrast with the orange skin of the more common Otolla
Gungans. The Ankura are an ancient race, separate and distant from other
Gungans until the founding of Otoh Gunga. The new city brought all the Gungans
together in a more or less unified community, under the leadership of the High
Council. The Ankura have long maintained a strong presence on the Council,
despite being a relatively small percentage of the population.
Little is known about Boss Nass' history, other than legend and hearsay. A
popular story concerns the early leadership abilities demonstrated when young
Nass was merely a tadpole. Evidently, not only was he first to sprout legs in
his collective pool, but he seemed to organize the other tadpoles and help them
develop, roughly according to age. When he left the pool, another tadpole
assumed the role of leader and began assisting other newborn Gungans.
Boss Nass presides over the Board Room at the center of the city, where he and
the Council rule on all sorts of matters-from banishment to granting audiences
with outlanders. Boss Nass was visited once by two Jedi Knights who found
their way to Otoh Gunga, accompanied by an outcast Gungan named Jar Jar Binks.
In typical fashion, Boss Nass chose to dispense with the Jedi rather than risk
becoming involved in matters best left to the Naboo. It was Boss Nass' opinion
that Gungans should keep to Gungan business, and "leave da Naboo to da Naboo."
This governing philosophy ultimately proved to be faulty, as the Trade
Federation invaded Naboo. Nass assumed that the droid armies would concern
themselves only with the surface-dwellers, but the Trade Federation eventually
began hunting down his people as well, even attacking Otoh Gunga itself.
Fleeing to the Sacred Place, Boss Nass began to consider his options for a
counter-attack. Unfortunately, without the help of the historically-snobby
Naboo, he could do little to strike at the Trade Federation leadership. When
Queen Amidala herself sought him out and begged for help, he couldn't have been
more pleased. Not only did their new partnership enable an effective
counter-strike, but to Boss Nass, it signaled a whole new era in Gungan-Naboo
relations. He had been able to achieve what countless of his predecessors
could not: global unity and ultimately, peace.
==============================================================================
4.3 - Chewbacca
==============================================================================
Born some two hundred years before the Battle of Yavin, Chewbacca is likely one
of the oldest heroes of the New Republic, next to the ancient Yoda. Chewbacca
lived on the planet Kashyyyk (also his birthplace) for the first fifty years of
his life, learning the ways of his society, proving his worth to the tribe, and
watching and learning from his father Attitchitcuk, a wise leader in their
clan. At the age of fifty years, Chewbacca made the decision to venture out
into the galaxy for an extended period of isolated exploration and travel.
The Wookiee term for this is roughly translated as "The Rising Path." They
believe that younger Wookiees must experience a time of unsupervised adventure
and danger before their blood mellows, and they can return to the clan free
from feelings of aggression, ready to serve their villages. Given the reputed
quick tempers of the Wookiees, this is a wise policy, born not only of their
religions and philosophies, but of a natural concern for having too many brash
young Wookiees cooped up together in a small village. Chewbacca felt it was
his time to break free from clan life and discover his own adventure-a feeling
likely compounded by the burden of having to stand in Attitchitcuk's long
shadow for so long.
Chewbacca journeyed far across the galaxy, wandering from adventure to
adventure, sometimes settling briefly to experience a world or culture,
sometimes staying only a few days. As a Wookiee, he found himself a
conspicuous target for those wishing to prove their strength or courage, and he
adopted the fearsome bandolier and bowcaster combination as a visual warning to
those who wished to test him. His friends found Chewbacca to be loyal and
kind, strong and mechanically-inclined, although not fond of losing at games of
chance and skill.
The Empire, recognizing that Wookiee strength could be used to build the
Imperial war machine, joined forces with Trandoshan slavers to capture and
enslave a great many Wookiees. Despite his best efforts, Chewbacca was
eventually captured and interred in a labor camp.
But salvation came in the form of a young Imperial named Han Solo, who freed
Chewbacca when he witnessed a superior officer savagely beating the Wookiee.
This act of defiance cost Solo his career in the Imperial Navy, an obligation
he was actually relieved to leave behind. The Wookiee swore a life-debt to the
somewhat-sheepish Solo, and the pair set off on a series of adventures that
would establish them as two of the greatest smugglers in the galaxy-and
lifelong friends.
==============================================================================
4.4 - Count Dooku
==============================================================================
Once a respected Jedi Master, Count Dooku left the order when he felt the
ideals of the Jedi were being compromised by the corrupt government they
served. One of only twenty Masters who had ever left the order, Dooku's
departure took the Jedi Council by surprise; even when he resurfaced as the
leader of a secessionist movement. Jedi Masters such as Mace Windu and Yoda
considered him among the most powerful and honorable of their order.
Dooku's expertise in the oldstyle of lightsaber fencing was unparalleled, and
his principled stand on government was a valuable asset for the Jedi Order. He
was a well-respected instructor at the Jedi Temple, passing on these gifts to
numerous young trainees. But as the Republic slowly became more and more
corrupt, Dooku felt that the Jedi betrayed themselves by obeying the
self-serving whims of the Senate. After the Battle of Naboo, Dooku resigned
from the Jedi Order and went into self-imposed exile.
The Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious, sought out Dooku to replace his
former apprentice Darth Maul, who was slain by Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Battle
of Naboo. Sidious found the aged Dooku a perfect replacement for Maul, since
the Sith Lord did not have time to teach a new pupil from infancy. Dooku's
considerable Force powers and lightsaber skills made him a powerful Sith.
Renamed Darth Tyranus, Dooku began working for Sidious in secret.
Dooku's first mission was to find a suitable warrior to serve as the Prime
Clone for a new army of cloned soldiers. Dooku offered a huge bounty on a
fallen Jedi named Komari Vosa, pitting two former Mandalorians against one
another to see which was the ultimate warrior. Jango Fett collected the bounty,
killing his rival Montross in the process. Dooku had found his Prime Clone.
Dooku's next mission for Sidious ended his exile, as the Jedi emerged to form
the Confederacy of Independent Systems. He quickly gathered together thousands
of systems at odds with the Republic and the corrupt Senate. To build military
strength, Dooku turned to the corporate powers of the galaxy, adding the Trade
Federation, Commerce Guild, InterGalactic Banking Clan, Tecnho Union, and
Corporate Alliance to his group of secessionists. The massive resources of
these groups allowed them to expand already formidable armies with better
droids, massive armaments, and powerful starships.
Dooku was in the process of officially creating the Confederacy of Independent
Systems during a meeting on the planet Geonosis when Obi-Wan Kenobi discovered
his plan. Dooku then captured Kenobi and later his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker
and sentenced them to death. But before this sentence could be carried out,
Mace Windu led a strike force of two hundred Jedi to Geonosis, effectively
beginning the Clone Wars.
It was during this battle that the Jedi learned the truth about Dooku's
transformation into a Sith. First Dooku defeated Kenobi, then Skywalker in a
lightsaber duel, but as he drew closer to deal the final blow, Jedi Master Yoda
entered the fight. Dooku battled the great Jedi Master to a standstill, and it
was then that Yoda felt the presence of the dark side in his former ally. Dooku
escaped with his life, but did accomplish his main goal---launching the great
Clone Wars.
==============================================================================
4.5 - Darth Vader
==============================================================================
The history of the Sith Lord Darth Vader truly begins with the fall of a man
named Anakin Skywalker, once the most promising young Jedi in the galaxy. As a
boy, the Force-sensitive Skywalker was discovered by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn
on the remote planet of Tatooine. The Jedi believed the boy to be 'The Chosen
One' and presented him to the Jedi Council for training, but Yoda and others
were concerned that Anakin would prove dangerous. Qui-Gon was slain, but
Jinn's own pupil, Obi-Wan Kenobi, vowed to take Skywalker as his Padawan
learner, despite the reservations of Jedi Master Yoda.
Anakin grew in power as a teenager, but felt frustrated by Kenobi's
instruction, and became increasingly willful and disobedient. Anakin was
reunited with Padm? Amidala, ten years after the Battle of Naboo when he and
Kenobi were ordered by the Jedi Council to protect her after an assassination
attempt. Anakin immediately felt an uncontrollable attraction to the lovely
Senator. Even though he was warned of the dangers of these feelings by his
Master, Anakin and Padm? fell deeply in love with one another, which was
forbidden for a Jedi at this time.
It was then that Anakin took his first step toward the dark side. Along with
Padm?, Anakin returned to Tatooine to find his mother Shmi, who he had not seen
in ten years. Anakin had been having nightmares about her for weeks and when he
arrived he found his intuitions were right. His mother had been abducted by
Tusken Raiders and tortured for many days. When Anakin finally tracked her
down, she died in his arms. Overtaken by rage and grief, Anakin struck down the
entire village of Tusken Raiders, including the women and children.
Anakin left Tatooine when he received a distress call from Obi-Wan, who had
been captured on the planet Geonosis. Racing to his Master's rescue, Anakin
took part in the Battle of Geonosis (the beginning of the Clone Wars)
confronting Count Dooku alone after the new Sith Lord had defeated Obi-Wan. But
as great as Anakin's Force powers and Jedi skills were, he was no match for the
powerful and experienced Dooku who defeated the young Jedi and severed his
right arm.
Immediately following the Battle of Geonosis, Anakin escorted Padm? back to
Naboo where their love was confirmed in marriage. Keeping his marriage to Padm?
a secret, Anakin returned to the Jedi Order on Coruscant and fought with them
in the Clone Wars. It was during this stressful, war-torn time that Anakin lost
his battle with his inner demons.
He succumbed to the dark side and was consumed by the persona of Darth Vader,
Lord of the Sith. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker, and became a monster of
darkness and evil. As Lord Vader, he helped exterminate the Jedi and ensure
the total domination of the galaxy by his new Master, the Emperor. In classic
Sith fashion, the Emperor was served by his apprentice, and Vader became his
Master's enforcer throughout the Empire.
Feared and hated by the Imperial elite, Lord Vader felt no compunction about
destroying officers and soldiers he saw as incompetent or disloyal. His reign
of terror nevertheless motivated the Imperial Navy to pursue the Rebellion with
a renewed vigor.
The cunning tactics and merciless strategies of Darth Vader were instrumental
in the Imperial campaign to take control of the galaxy. The Dark Lord often
acted as general in local actions, heading up ground charges and air assaults
himself. His skill in his prototype TIE Advanced fighter was unparalleled and
his mere presence in battle often caused opposing forces to flee in terror.
With the Imperial Navy, Lord Vader led a relentless hunt for Rebel traitors.
After the Death Star plans were stolen by Alliance forces, Vader pursued a
senator from Alderaan, Princess Leia Organa, and intercepted her vessel over
Tatooine. He transferred her to the Death Star for further questioning, but
his plans were interrupted by the arrival of a small band of heroes that
included his old mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Dark Lord sensed the presence of
the Jedi and sought him out. They dueled and Vader destroyed the old Jedi, who
seemingly vanished. Vader had little time to meditate on this, however, as soon
after he found himself battling a Rebel starfighter attack against the massive
Death Star. One X-wing in particular caught his interest, for it was piloted
by someone unusually strong in the Force. Vader had no way of knowing this
young Rebel was Luke Skywalker, his son.
Darth Vader attempted to turn Skywalker to the dark side in an encounter at
Bespin, but the young Jedi hurled himself into an exhaust tube rather than join
his father. He survived the fall and was rescued by his friends. Luke
returned sometime later, after completing his Jedi training, and confronted
Vader again. This time, however, Luke appealed to Anakin, seeking the goodness
that he sensed still existed in his father. Vader believed that the Emperor's
hold over him was too strong to break, but when Palpatine attempted to kill
Skywalker, Vader rebelled against his master. Fueled by a resurgence of hope
and light, Vader seized the Emperor and cast him into the second Death Star's
reactor core.
In addition to his well-documented battle against the Rebellion, Lord Vader
also contended with conspiracies launched by the criminal organization Black
Sun, led by Prince Xizor. The foolish gangster attempted to curry favor with
the Emperor by politically jousting with Darth Vader. Xizor made the mistake
of targeting Vader's son for death, and thus earned the full ire of both Vader
and the Rebel Alliance. Eventually, Vader destroyed Xizor's skyhook, bringing a
tragic end to the crime lord.
Redeemed, the man named Darth Vader ceased to exist, and Anakin Skywalker
returned to the world. But his time would be short. The mechanized body that
supported Vader was damaged and beginning to fail. Father and son reconciled,
and Anakin, having discovered the existence of his daughter, passed on a
'goodbye' to Leia before he died in Luke's arms.
==============================================================================
4.6 - Mace Windu
==============================================================================
The most imposing of the High Council Jedi Masters, Mace Windu shared the title
of senior representative with Master Yoda. Windu was a versatile Jedi. His
fighting skills were perfectly balanced to make him a great warrior, but he
also served as the public spokesperson for the Jedi High Council, forming a
close relationship with Supreme Chancellor Valorum.
One of the most persuasive and charismatic of the Jedi, Windu did not need the
Force to excel at negotiations. He spent several years working for the Jedi
Council involved in many crises from the Arkanian Revolution to the Yinchorri
Conflict. His dedication saved many lives, especially among the Jedi who worked
with him.
Windu remained more reserved during the time surrounding the Battle of Naboo,
relying on his old friend Qui-Gon Jinn to stop the trouble brewing between the
Trade Federation and the people of Naboo. When Jinn brought Anakin Skywalker
before the Jedi Council, it was Windu who helped test him; Mace also initially
turned the boy down for Jedi training. Windu was very concerned with the
reappearance of the Sith and was not convinced, as Jinn was, that Skywalker was
the "chosen one" who would bring balance to the Force. After Jinn's death the
rest of the Council allowed Obi-Wan Kenobi to take Skywalker as his Padawan,
despite the reservations of Master Yoda.
Windu's most legendary action took place after the return of Count Dooku, who
formed the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Windu led a strike force of two
hundred Jedi to Geonosis to not only rescue Kenobi and Skywalker but also
attack the Confederacy's war machine before it was operational. Windu's team
fought valiantly in the face of terrible odds, but most of the Jedi were killed
that day. Yoda arrived with the clone army, driving off Dooku and his allies.
Although Windu defeated bounty hunter Jango Fett, one of history's greatest
warriors, the victory brought him little comfort. The fallen friends he lost at
the Battle of Geonosis would continue to haunt him long after.
==============================================================================
4.7 - Princess Leia Organa
==============================================================================
Leia Organa grew up as a princess, raised by Bail Organa, the Viceroy and First
Chairman of the planet Alderaan. She was smart and determined, even from an
early age, and her adopted father foresaw that he would not be able to delay
her entry into galactic politics for long. He was correct, and the princess
became the youngest Imperial Senator ever, at age eighteen. Leia's experience
in the Senate only solidified her opposition to the draconian tactics of the
increasingly powerful Emperor Palpatine. Soon she became secretly involved in
the Rebel Alliance. Bail Organa, though proud of Leia's bravery, had hoped to
spare her the danger of being a Rebel agent. Ultimately, her loyalty to the
resistance movement saved her life.
When Bail Organa discovered the existence of a new Imperial battle station, the
Death Star, he realized the fledgling Alliance needed leadership.... and
quickly. Bail Organa knew of a powerful ally he could potentially call on, a
Jedi Knight long in hiding. But he couldn't risk the knowledge falling into
the wrong hands, and so he turned to Leia-the only person he could trust
completely.
She set off in her consular ship, the Tantive IV, on a mission to deliver the
stolen Death Star plans to Rebel leaders and recruit the Jedi known as Obi-Wan
Kenobi to their cause. On the way, her ship was intercepted by a massive Star
Destroyer and captured. Luckily, ever-resourceful Leia hid the information in
an astromech and allowed herself to be captured while it escaped.
The young woman was questioned and tortured, but refused to reveal the location
of the hidden Rebel base. Ironically, her primary tormentor was Darth Vader,
who would later be revealed as Anakin Skywalker, her true father. The brave
Leia survived the torture, and was brought before Grand Moff Tarkin. The Moff
threatened her home planet with utter annihilation and Leia risked everything
in a desperate gamble. She lied. Tarkin believed her, but ordered the
destruction of Alderaan anyway. Leia took no satisfaction in her ruse, and was
crushed to see all she loved and cared for in the galaxy reduced to space
debris.
Ironically, Leia's mission for her Rebel Alliance had placed her on a mission
out of harm's way when her home planet was destroyed.
Ultimately, Leia was rescued by Luke Skywalker, and rejoined the Rebellion.
Skywalker's insight into the Force revealed Leia to be his sister, and over
time her latent Force powers were developed by the young Jedi. Together with
Han Solo, the trio embarked on years of adventure and ceaseless battles to
protect the freedom of the New Republic's citizens.
==============================================================================
4.8 - OOM-9
==============================================================================
OOM-9 was created, like all other battle droids, for the sole purpose of war
and destruction. His masters were the Neimoidian Viceroy Nute Gunray, Lott
Dodd, and Rune Haako. OOM-9 began his existence as a standard battle droid, but
was specially-programmed to become a Commander Droid for the invasion of Naboo.
OOM-9's upper shoulders were painted a dull mustard yellow, and his back
plating was removed to accommodate the standard command backpack, featuring an
advanced power supply and several antennae for transmitting and receiving
orders from the Central Control Computer, which would remain safely in orbit
around the blue planet. OOM-9 felt neither pride or trepidation at his new
role; his programming was limited to collecting and compiling battle tactics
and plans.
The new commander's first assignment was to organize the invasion of Naboo,
which he did competently. His programming was tested by the presence of two
Jedi who had somehow stowed away on the landing ships and were loose in the
swamp. He assured his superiors that he could find them, and proceeded to
double the patrol grid for STAPs and ground droids.
The droid's inability to find the Jedi seemed unimportant to either him or his
masters, and his next assignment was as personal guard to the Viceroy in the
Queen's Palace. OOM-9 regarded the refined architecture and carved marble with
a soldier's practiced indifference. His masters soon ordered him to transport
the uncooperative Queen to Camp Four. Expanding his priority protocols, OOM-9
delegated four of his security detail to oversee the transport, monitoring them
on a secure channel from the Palace. OOM-9 stayed with the Neimoidians, and
continued to remotely control the search for primitive lifeforms in the swamps
and ocean core.
After chasing the primitive Gungans from the underwater city, OOM-9 boarded an
AAT battle tank and personally took command of the battle on the plains. He
ordered the first volley of shots against the Gungan shields, and realizing the
inefficiency of this attack, halted the artillery, and sent in his massive
infantry division. OOM-9's charge successfully drove back the Gungan army, and
he began marshalling his troops to rout them completely, when victory was
cruelly stolen from him. Far above in orbit, the Central Control Computer had
been destroyed by a young boy in a stolen starfighter. OOM-9's greatest moment
of triumph was also his worst moment of defeat. He fell to the ground,
deactivated and useless.
==============================================================================
4.9 - Pekt
==============================================================================
The reptilian Trandoshans are not generally regarded among the galaxy for their
honesty or bravery, and Pekt is no exception. Many of the worst Trandoshans
have warred with the neighboring Wookiee planet Kashyyyk, harassing and raiding
whenever possible, taking unfair advantage of the Wookiees' peaceful
tendencies. But Pekt is legendary among his people for taking the conflict to a
whole new level.
Born on Trandosha into a powerful family, Pekt almost immediately began to
expand his clan's empire. As a young hatchling, he experimented with slave
collars and restraints, using his servants as hapless victims. Then as he
entered his molt stage, he moved on to the Wookiee prisoners-of-war kept in his
clan's garrison. An especially sadistic being, even for a Trandoshan, Pekt
realized what excellent slaves the Wookiees could become, if they could only be
tamed.
Pekt used his father's fortune to research Wookiee biology, and developed a
series of restraints and techniques to capture and enslave the proud beings.
His expertise grew, and he earned a certain degree of fame when he was
consulted by bounty hunter Bossk. He created a set of custom weapons for the
bounty hunter, and in return, received a number of fine Wookiee pelts, which he
gifted to his egg-litter.
Gradually, Pekt's reputation for being a top-notch Wookiee-exterminator
garnered him several jobs around the galaxy, working for bounty hunters,
gangsters, and eventually the Empire. It was rumored Pekt could clear a
village of Wookiees in less than a standard week. He hired a task force of
ex-Trandoshan Army regulars, who assisted him in his sadistic tasks. On one
job when Pekt was quite young, a valiant Wookiee youth broke free of his bonds
and seized Pekt in his massive paws. The slaver's eyes stared coldly back as
the Wookiee tore the Trandoshan's arms clean off. The Wookiee was killed for
his effort, and Pekt returned to Trandosha briefly. Within a month, his arms
had regenerated and he was back at the slave camp.
But Pekt's ultimate triumph came when the Empire took control of Kashyyyk, and
under advisement from Trandosha, enslaved the major cities of the planet. Pekt
was selected by the local Moff to oversee the entire slaving operation, and he
drew up the plans for the Avatar Orbital Platform, the hub of misery for
Wookiee slaves. Pekt knew as long as the Empire controlled Kashyyyk, he could
act with impunity, and he did - stepping up both his experiments and his
slaving trade. But Pekt's day of reckoning was yet to come.
==============================================================================
4.10 - Weebacca
==============================================================================
Weebacca was known in his clan for being a small Wookiee with a big Wookiee's
attitude. Although he and Chewbacca were friends growing up in the village,
Weebacca could be untrustworthy and petty at times. But he was loyal to Chewie
and the two were never in conflict, despite whatever trouble Weebacca was
currently in.
It didn't take long for the diminutive Wookiee to find his way into the
smuggling and gambling game. Weebacca loved sabacc and always seemed short of
money. In desperate need of large sums of credits, he would take any job, no
matter how dangerous. So, like many Wookiees, Weebacca became a
bodyguard-for-hire. For a long period of time, Weebacca had no contact with
any of his relatives or his friend Chewbacca. He eventually resurfaced,
running spice through the Kashyyyk system, under the nose of the Imperial
patrols. He hated the Empire and when his home planet was invaded and
enslaved, he dropped his lucrative smuggling career and rushed home to help.
==============================================================================
4.11 - Luke Skywalker
==============================================================================
Luke Skywalker is likely the most famous hero of the Galactic Civil War, and
the New Republic's foremost Jedi Knight. His exploits are legendary, beginning
with his humble farmboy origins, and ending with his role in the downfall of
the Empire itself. Skywalker went on to combat the New Republic's enemies, and
found a Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4. His skills are in constant demand, despite
the resurgence of Force-adepts throughout the galaxy.
Skywalker's father was the feared Darth Vader, a respected and powerful Jedi at
one time. The Emperor had foreseen that Vader's progeny would destroy him, and
so, at Luke and Leia's birth, the twins were separated and hidden. Luke was
raised by Owen Lars on the planet Tatooine, and watched from afar by Ben
Kenobi. He eventually found his way to the old Jedi, and then to ancient
teacher Yoda. It was Yoda who completed Skywalker's training and pronounced
him a Jedi Knight.
After the last confrontation with his father, Luke continued to increase his
knowledge of the Force. He sought out young students for his academy,
attempting to re-establish the Jedi Order, with very little information about
its first incarnation. In addition, he trained his sister Leia to use her own
latent but powerful Force ability. Luke Skywalker's efforts honored the proud
tradition of the Jedi Knights.
==============================================================================
4.12 - Lando Calrissian
==============================================================================
The suave, debonair Lando Calrissian is mildly famous throughout a certain
social strata of the galaxy. But perhaps a better word would be 'notorious.'
Calrissian first appeared on the scene as a con artist and gambler, working the
fringes of the Nar Shaddaa racket. His talent at the sabacc table quickly
amassed him a small fortune in credits and properties, and he smoothly sailed
into the high-stakes world of pleasure liners and exclusive orbiting
hotel-resorts. But a run-in with a couple of hired thugs, regarding a local
gangster's young and beautiful wife, convinced Lando to light out for distant
territories.
He found his way to the ornate city of Bespin, and won a freighter, the
Millenium Falcon, in a round of sabacc there. Never having learned to pilot a
starship, Lando turned to one of the best star jockeys in the galaxy-Han Solo.
He caught up with Solo just in time to save him from the clutches of Boba Fett,
an up and coming bounty hunter. Lando tricked Fett, but felt his victory might
be momentary. He and Solo beat a hasty retreat, and the grateful pilot agreed
to teach Lando for free.
Many of Lando's exploits are well-known, especially among other grifters of the
galaxy, and Lando certainly became one of the busiest heroes of the New
Republic. He started a mining colony, lost Bespin, fought against Grand
Admiral Thrawn, was a member of Mon Mothma's task force, ran a spy mission on
Kessel, and acted as a General under Admiral Ackbar's command, to name just a
few of his adventures. No matter what, Lando remains a solid friend of the
Rebellion, a far cry from the scoundrel he once was.
==============================================================================
4.13 - Han Solo
==============================================================================
The pirate captain Han Solo only meant to make a few credits delivering an old
man and a farm boy to Alderaan. He never bargained on spending the next few
years of his life running from the Empire and eventually helping strike the
death blow against its second Death Star.
The Corellian's past is shrouded in mystery, but he appears to have been a
graduate of the Imperial Academy, and an officer in the Imperial Navy. After
rescuing his friend Chewbacca from Imperial slavers, he began the life of a
smuggler and gambler. Han and Chewie won the Millenium Falcon from fellow
rogue Lando Calrissian, and set off to earn credits smuggling spice along the
Kessel Run. It was Solo's unfortunate run-in with an Imperial patrol that set
in motion the important events to come. The pirate was forced to dump a large
shipment of Jabba the Hutt's spice, and consequently owed the crime lord the
lost credits.
Obi-Wan Kenobi offered him the kind of payment he was looking for, and Solo
jumped at the seemingly simple job. After being pulled aboard the Death Star,
Solo found himself talked into more trouble. Luke Skywalker had a plan to
rescue a rich princess, and the promised reward money whet Solo's appetite for
adventure. However, the spirited, independent princess was more trouble than
any reward, in Solo's estimation.
The attractive young woman later proved to be a key factor in Solo's continuing
involvement with the Rebel Alliance, and would figure prominently in his later
life-as his wife and mother of his children.
==============================================================================
4.14 - Captain Tarpals
==============================================================================
Captain Tarpals was a member of the Gungan Grand Army when Naboo was attacked
by the Trade Federation. Previously he had served as a leader in the Security
Forces of Otoh Gunga, patrolling on his trusty kaadu, keeping the peace with a
combination of wisdom, patience, and a long electropole.
Tarpals' family has a long history of military service, with each son serving
in the Gungan Grand Army in some aspect. Tarpals is the first of his family to
merit the rank of Captain, however, and is considered quite a hero in his clan.
Add to this his distinguished peacetime duties in the security forces, and one
can see why his clan treats him with a degree of reverence usually reserved for
High Council members. Tarpals, of course, downplays the worship modestly. He
believes he is but a simple Gungan serving his people.
One of the tasks assigned to the Captain was the banishment of Jar Jar Binks.
While the two weren't best friends, they were more than acquaintances, and it
saddened Tarpals to have to finally banish the good-hearted but clumsy Jar Jar.
So imagine his surprise when the Gungan not only violated the 'nocombackie'
law, but brought two Jedi outsiders with him. Considering the usual punishment
for such a violation is being 'pounded unto death,' Tarpals was puzzled by Boss
Nass' decision to release Jar Jar again, but attributed it to some higher plan
he was not privy to.
Just imagine his &lti>further&lti> surprise when he found himself on the
battlefield next to General Jar Jar. Any feelings of jealousy about the
promotion were superceded by concern for his army and his soldiers, and Tarpals
calmly took charge. He led a mildly successful defensive strategy, but was
ultimately overwhelmed by the sheer number of Trade Federation troops opposing
him.
In addition to his role in the Battle of Naboo, Tarpals was instrumental in
leading the Gungans to safety and fighting various smaller skirmishes against
the invading droid army. It was his organization that allowed the Gungans to
regroup in the swamps and provide troops for Amidala's plan.
==============================================================================
4.15 - Boss Gallo
==============================================================================
A long time ago, over 3,000 years before the Battle of Naboo, the Gungan people
were scattered, split into bickering, warring tribes and clans. Boss Gallo of
Otoh Sancture, however, refused to war against his fellow Gungans. He believed
it was prohibited by the gods, and was immoral. No good thing can come of
Gungan war, he often said.
Consequently, Otoh Sancture remained neutral through all the strife, and became
a hub of trade and commerce, and gossip and spying. The city reaped the
benefits of being a way-station and a go-between for all the Gungan tribes, and
Boss Gallo's wealth grew. But another powerful Gungan, Boss Rogoe, feared Boss
Gallo would not stay neutral forever. Sooner or later, Rogoe reasoned, Gallo
would pick a side, and tip the balance in its favor. Rogoe determined he had
to strike against Otoh Sancture before Boss Gallo had the chance to prepare for
war. Using a proxy strike force of wild bursas, Rogoe attacked and destroyed
Otoh Sancture, yet managed to appear still innocent. Unfortunately, one of
Rogoe's agents, in charge of leading the bursas to Otoh Sancture, remained in
the area too long, and was discovered by Boss Gallo.
From that point on, Rogoe's eventual destruction was assured, as Boss Gallo
slowly brought together his Gungan allies and focused his armies on the
deceitful warlord. The final attack came at Spearhead, Rogoe's main
stronghold. From the ashes of Rogoe's defeat, Boss Gallo built the vast
underwater city designed to unite all Gungan tribes: Otoh Gunga.
==============================================================================
4.16 - Captain Marsune
==============================================================================
A legendary figure in Gungan history, Captain Marsune lived approximately 3,000
years before the Battle of Naboo, during a time of great civil strife among the
Gungan tribes. Marsune began his career as a folk hero to the local Gungans,
robbing the greedier Bosses of their riches, and distributing the wealth among
the poorer tribes. Mostly he and his band of rogues kept to themselves,
preferring the sanctuary of the Naboo swamps and forest. Marsune's reverence
for the spirits of the land was well-known and admired. His life among the
forest creatures brought him great joy and peace.
Marsune's independent existence was complicated by the appearance of Boss
Gallo, who asked the rogue for help, after the destruction of Otoh Sancture.
Not wishing to get too deeply involved, Marsune agreed to a simple exchange of
worker Glurrgs for food. But when rival Boss Rogoe's participation in the
attack was revealed, Marsune reconsidered his isolationism, and decided to lend
a hand. Boss Rogoe's use of deception to gain the advantage on Boss Gallo
rankled Marsune's sense of fair play.
His knowledge of the forest and battle-strategies proved indispensable, and his
recruitment of the Bongomeken Collective turned the tide of the conflict. Boss
Gallo appointed Marsune first Captain of the newly-formed Gungan Grand Army.
Gungan children thereafter often played "Marsune and Gallo", recreating the
exploits of the two leaders in the swamps and forests of Naboo.
==============================================================================
4.17 - Padme Amidala
==============================================================================
Born in a humble mountain village, Queen Amidala was identified early for her
intelligence, patience, and wisdom. She entered special schools and was
groomed for public service in traditional Naboo fashion.
Amidala was elected Princess and Supervisor of Theed at the age of 12, and
immediately impressed everyone with her maturity and thoughtfulness. While
King Veruna ruled above her, Amidala became a favorite of the Naboo people and
the citizens of Theed, who considered her their 'daughter.' Though fame wore
her down, she appreciated the love and admiration of Theed and always tried to
return the affection through fair and helpful policies.
When Veruna unexpectedly abdicated the throne, Amidala was a natural choice to
succeed him. She won the election in an unprecedented landslide, though she
was, curiously, not the youngest person to ever take the throne.
Amidala's fortitude was quickly put to the test when the Trade Federation moved
in with an illegal blockade. She showed bravery and resourcefulness, escaping
the planet to inform the Senate, then returning when unsatisfied with the slow
response of the governing body. Taking matters into her own hands, Amidala
organized a unified attack with the Gungan Army, and succeeded in capturing the
Neimoidian Viceroy and taking back her planet.
After her second term as Queen of Naboo had expired, Amidala remained so
popular that citizens talked of changing the laws to extend her reign. But
Amidala did not want the rules changed on her behalf and was succeeded by Queen
Jamillia, who in turn asked Padm? to serve Naboo as a Senator. Amidala could
not refuse; her love of public service was too great.
But tension was growing between the Galactic Republic and Count Dooku's
separatist movement. In the face of the secessionist threat, the Senate
struggled with the issue of forming a defensive army for the Republic. Having
seen the horrors of war, Senator Amidala was a strong voice in opposition of an
Army of the Republic, believing it would only lead to widespread violence and a
galactic civil war. It was during this time that two assassination attempts
were made on Amidala. She was soon under the protection of the Jedi, as they
investigated who was behind the attempts.
The Jedi ordered to protect Amidala were none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi and
Anakin Skywalker, whom she had met during the events surrounding the Battle of
Naboo. Amidala and Skywalker fell deeply in love, but her obligations to the
political arena and his membership in the Jedi Order made such a romance seem
impossible. Nevertheless, Amidala traveled with Skywalker to Geonosis and took
part in the Battle of Geonosis, where she fought valiantly. After the battle,
she returned to Naboo with Skywalker, where they could deny their love no
longer. There the two were wed in a secret ceremony, a bond hidden from the
rest of the galaxy.
==============================================================================
4.18 - Darth Maul
==============================================================================
The nature of the Sith is that they are unseen, they strike from the shadows
and are unknown to their attackers. So it is fitting that little information
exists on the history of Sith Lord Darth Maul, other than that which can be
deduced from speculation, given his associations and actions.
Lord Darth Maul appeared to be a Zabrak from Iridonia. He abandoned all trace
of his former identity when he took on his Sith name. For the glory of the dark
side, he even etched painful Sith tattoos over his entire body. The dark
apprentice trained with Lord Darth Sidious from an early age. His skill with
the lightsaber was obvious, and he fought with the flair and energy of one who
is supremely confident in his abilities. The double-bladed lightsaber he
wielded was commonly regarded as a practice saber, but Maul adapted it for use
against two opponents at once, possibly predicting his fight against Jedi
Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn.
Among his other tools were the Sienar-designed Sith Infiltrator, a starship
equipped with a rare cloaking device. He also used modified probe droids to
find his prey, and a custom Sith speeder to chase it.
Darth Maul longed to attack the Jedi head-on, so intense was his hatred, but
his master would not allow it, preferring to bide his time and wait for the
right opportunity. In the meantime, Maul undertook several covert missions for
Sidious. He hunted down recalcitrant Neimoidians, and even infiltrated the
infamous Black Sun and emerged unscathed. The Dark Lord also closely observed
the invasion of Naboo. Sidious instructed Maul to keep a close eye on the
bumbling Neimoidians and ensure that nothing would go wrong.
Maul was finally given his chance to fight Jedi after he traced Queen Amidala's
fleeing starship to Tatooine. There, he confronted Qui-Gon Jinn, raining a
flurry of lightsaber blows down on the surprised Jedi. Maul felt the older
Jedi's strength ebbing, and pressed the attack. So focused was he on
destroying Qui-Gon that he didn't notice that the Queen's ship had closed the
distance and hovered above them with its gangplank extended. The Jedi
surprised him with a sudden leap and was gone before Maul could pursue him.
However, there was no question in either warrior's mind that victory would have
been Lord Maul's, given a few more precious moments.
So it was with extra confidence that Darth Maul confronted the Jedi again on
Naboo, now wielding his deadly double-bladed weapon. The Jedi Master fought
valiantly, but it was the young Padawan that challenged Maul the most. He
separated the two, and dispatched the older man. But in doing so, he unleashed
a fury in Obi-Wan, and was hard-pressed to defend himself against the young
Jedi's lightning-fast lightsaber. Finally, Maul took advantage of Kenobi's
unfocused attack and pushed him into a generator chasm. Unfortunately for
Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi was strong in the Force, and summoned the strength to leap
from the chasm, grab his fallen master's blade and slice the Dark Lord in half.
Lord Maul died wondering how the dark side could have failed him.
==============================================================================
4.19 - Viceroy Nute Gunray
==============================================================================
Nute Gunray was the Commanding Viceroy and member of Trade Federation Executive
Board , a fact he let no one forget for even a moment. Greedy, fearful, and
evil, Gunray typified the worst in Neimoidian characteristics. His occupation
and abuse of Naboo was the pinnacle of a career built on intimidation and
deceit.
Neimoidian personalities can be largely explained through their social system.
Neimoidians begin life as helpless grubs placed in communal hives. The grubs
fight with each other for a limited supply of food, and the successful learn to
hoard and steal. By age seven, only the worst have survived. As they graduate
from the hives, Neimoidians begin to work in the large hive complexes and huge
fungus farms that dominate their planet. The skills learned working and
sustaining these endeavors actually give the Neimoidians quite a managerial
edge on other species. Their dominance in the Trade Federation is no surprise
to anyone.
Like many Neimoidians, Nute Gunray wore a large headdress to signify his
importance and power. He forbade any of his colleagues to have a headdress
taller than his, and there were frequent measuring and calibrating sessions to
satisfy his ego. In addition, Gunray purchased an opulent mechno-chair,
revered by the Neimoidians as the height of ultimate wealth and power. Gunray
enjoyed the chair, as it reminded him of the floating repulsor-thrones of the
Hutt lords. One of his passions was the collection of Hutt art and sculpture.
Gunray considered the species to be a shining example of tasteful power and
success.
==============================================================================
4.20 - Mott Yittreas
==============================================================================
The so-called "Butcher of Krant," Moff Yittreas ruled unchecked on the remote
planet of Krant and its asteroid Hanoon during the final years of the Empire.
The Krantians feared him greatly, and he was allowed by Imperial leadership to
conduct his affairs as he saw fit. Grand Moff Tarkin considered the man a
somewhat unstable sociopath, but recognized his excellent management skills and
gave him his own system to rule.
The two men were contemporaries, but where Tarkin's political and military
savvy covered his more bloodthirsty deeds, Yittreas was all raw ambition. The
dictator oversaw the deaths of thousands of Krantians for trumped-up charges of
"political treason," essentially paring down the population so he would not
have to increase the size of his garrison. Eventually he became embroiled in a
Krantian Civil War, and lost the planet to the Rebel Alliance. He escaped to
his nearby asteroid stronghold, and began terraforming and developing the rock
for Imperial colonization. The asteroid began fully functioning as a mobile
battle station.
Yittreas clashed again with the Rebel Alliance ten years later, over the
remaining shards of a Jedi artifact. This time, however, there would be no
escape.
==============================================================================
4.21 - General Veers
==============================================================================
General Maximilian Veers is best known as the victorious leader of the Imperial
forces at the Battle of Hoth. One of the few generals to ever please Darth
Vader, Veers competently led his walkers and ground troops past Rebel defensive
positions and conquered the ice base, destroying the shield generator and
allowing Vader to land and enter. Despite fierce opposition from Rebel
snowspeeders, Veers managed to capture and hold the base securely until the
Dark Lord arrived.
It is still a widely-held belief that though General Veers was not expecting
the snowspeeders to use a new tactic and snare his walkers in their tow-cables,
his battlefield expertise led him to space the walkers far apart, and allow
them to cover each other's flanks, making the Rebels' job that much more
difficult. Though a weakness in the AT-AT was discovered and exploited,
General Veers' strategy minimized the impact, and prevented a military disaster.
The history of the walker is long and complex, but later models benefited from
then-Colonel Veers' technical expertise and foresight. Veers contributed
greatly to the redesign of the later walkers, strengthening their armor-plating
and improving their maneuverability.
==============================================================================
4.22 - Echuu Shen-Jon
==============================================================================
A contemporary of Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Echuu Shen-Jon is a powerful
Jedi Master. A servant of the Jedi Council, Echuu was frequently sent from
system to system with his young Padawan learner, Stam Reath, on dangerous
missions. One of those locations was Geonosis, site of the beginning of the
great Clone War.
After years of self-imposed exile, Shen-Jon met Princess Leia on Krant sometime
before the Battle of Yavin, and helped her win the Krantians their freedom. He
also destroyed a Jedi artifact destined to be used for evil purposes by Darth
Vader and the Emperor.
Like Kenobi, it is probable the old Jedi lived in seclusion on Krant while
waiting for a sign, something foretold by the Force. Perhaps Shen-Jon somehow
knew the young princess would arrive on the planet someday, or that he would
need to defend the Vor'Na'Tu artifact , but no one can ever be sure. The ways
of the Force are indeed mysterious and strange.
==============================================================================
4.23 - Qui-Gon Jinn
==============================================================================
One of the most noble and wise Jedi was Qui-Gon Jinn-a man considered a
maverick by his peers, but much beloved by those who knew him.
Many Jedi observed that the venerable Master could have been a member of the
Council, if not for his disregard for its codes and proclamations. While not an
active critic of the Council, Qui-Gon definitely pursued the agenda of the
Force as he perceived it, and did not necessarily take the advice of his
brethren as gospel.
Qui-Gon Jinn was strongly connected to the Living Force, and could not ignore
its powerful influence on him. He possessed a deep and abiding respect for all
living things. He was very attuned to the Force, and often took long,
meditation journeys into the depths of its mysteries, going far beyond where
other Masters ventured. He was regarded with great admiration by most Jedi who
knew him.
However, Qui-Gon's early career was marked by his failure with a student named
Xanatos. The Padawan was strong with the Force, but too ambitious and
impatient. Eventually, Xanatos left the Order to join his father Crion in a
planetary civil war. Circumstances brought Qui-Gon and Crion together, and in a
resulting battle, Qui-Gon was forced to kill the man. Xanatos was furious. He
fought with his Master and fled, disappearing into the galaxy. He returned,
ostensibly as a changed man, but he secretly planned to trap Qui-Gon and his
young Padawan named Obi-Wan Kenobi. The pair escaped and Xanatos fled again.
The experience left Qui-Gon despondent about his abilities as a teacher. He had
trouble accepting the young Kenobi as his Padawan, but eventually the two
became as close as father and son. They participated in many adventures around
the galaxy, including a war between Wookiee settlers and Trade Federation
troops on Alaris Prime. He also believed he had found the Chosen One, during a
mission on remote Tatooine: a slave boy named Anakin Skywalker. He believed
the will of the Force had brought them together.
But in the end, despite all Qui-Gon's wisdom and intuition, and his skill and
grace with the lightsaber, he was cut down by Sith Lord Darth Maul, during the
Battle for Naboo. Obi-Wan avenged his death, and agreed to his Master's last
wish: train the boy Anakin to be a Jedi.
==============================================================================
4.24 - Mara Jade
==============================================================================
She was the Emperor's secret weapon. The dread Lord Darth Vader was
undoubtedly the Emperor's most visible ally, enforcing his will throughout the
galaxy. But from the shadows emerged another dark servant: The Emperor's
Hand, a little-known agent used for duties so secret, so subtle, Lord Vader
would not suffice.
Mara was chosen by the Emperor for her burgeoning Force abilities, which he
enhanced as he trained her. She was used as a spy, as a saboteur, and a
seductive assassin whenever necessary. As the Emperor's Hand, she could
telepathically sense his commands, even from across the galaxy. Her most
important mission took place on Tatooine, where she infiltrated the palace of
Jabba the Hutt as a dancer named "Arica." Her mission was to kill Luke
Skywalker, but the Jedi escaped and went on to destroy the Emperor and his
second Death Star.
Now without a master and without a job, Mara drifted through the galaxy,
finally finding employment with Talon Karrde's smuggling operation.
Unbeknownst to him, her past haunted her constantly. She felt she could hear
the Emperor's ghostly last command: "Kill Luke Skywalker." As fate would have
it, she got her chance when Talon Karrde captured the young Jedi as part of a
greater plan. But Mara found herself in a grudging alliance with the Jedi when
the two became the target of an Imperial hunt.
The relationship grew, and eventually blossomed into love. But it was a long
metamorphosis. Mara continued to wander the galaxy, trying to reconcile her
Force abilities with her past. She accepted missions from Mon Mothma, and
trained very briefly with Kyle Katarn, whom she then rescued from the dark
side, deep within a Sith temple. She returned to the Alliance, and eventually
settled down and accepted Skywalker's proposal of marriage.
==============================================================================
4.25 - Obi-Wan Kenobi
==============================================================================
One of the most prominent Jedi Knights in the history of the Republic, Obi-Wan
Kenobi trained Anakin Skywalker and also set Anakin's son, Luke, on the path to
redeem his father and bring balance to the Force. Kenobi was one of the last
survivors of the Clone Wars and the Empire's Jedi Purge and an important
catalyst for the Rebellion to overthrow the Empire.
Kenobi was stern and serious when he ascended to the rank of Jedi Knight,
learning from the unconventional teachings of his Master Qui-Gon Jinn and a
childhood spent living in the Jedi Temple. Born fifty-seven years before the
Battle of Yavin, Kenobi's road to Jedi Knighthood was a curious one. At the age
of thirteen he was enrolled in the Jedi Agricultural Corps, a disappointment to
the ambitious young man. But the decision became a fortuitous one, when Kenobi
met Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, helping him foil the plot of Jinn's former
Padawan, Xanatos. Impressed by Kenobi, Jinn took him on as his Padawan,
starting a very successful mentorship.
Kenobi's first step into intergalactic importance took place when he and Jinn
were sent as Republic ambassadors to stop the Trade Federation blockade of the
planet Naboo thirty-two years before the Battle of Yavin. The two Jedi
uncovered a sinister plot created by Sith Lord Darth Sidious and soon found
themselves fighting for their lives. They rescued Queen Amidala of Naboo from
Trade Federation control to take her back to Coruscant to report to the Senate.
But the Will of the Force had other plans. The Queen's Royal Starship was
damaged in the escape from Naboo and Kenobi suggested landing on the Outer Rim
planet Tatooine to make repairs. Once there, Qui-Gon Jinn found Anakin
Skywalker and freed him from slavery. When the Jedi took young Anakin before
the Jedi Council on Coruscant, the boy was tested and then rejected for Jedi
Training. Bitterly disappointed, Jinn confided in his Padawan that sometimes
one must follow one's own path, even if it means disobeying the Council---a
lesson Kenobi would take to heart.
Later during the Battle of Naboo, Jinn and Kenobi faced off against Sith Lord
Darth Maul. Jinn was struck down, but Kenobi charged in and avenged his
Master's death. The older Jedi's final request was that Obi-Wan train Anakin to
be a Jedi Knight. The young man agreed to his Master's wish. Kenobi was
awarded the rank of Jedi Knight and took Anakin Skywalker as his Padawan
learner. As Anakin developed into a young man, his Force powers and Jedi skills
grew exponentially, and he became an unwieldy student at times.
It was ten years after the Battle of Naboo that Kenobi again entered the
galactic spotlight. Obi-Wan and his Padawan were ordered by the Jedi Council
to protect Senator Padm? Amidala of Naboo, the former Queen, after an
assassination attempt. A second attempt was made on Amidala's life, and this
led Kenobi on a quest that ended with the discovery of another sinister Sith
plot, which was much greater than he ever imagined.
Tracking clues to the watery planet of Kamino, Kenobi uncovered cloning
facilities creating an enormous army for the Republic. There he met bounty
hunter Jango Fett, the original host from which the clone soldiers were made.
After an intense battle, Fett escaped to the planet Geonosis, not knowing that
Kenobi was hot on his trail. It was on Geonosis that Kenobi discovered the
plans of Count Dooku's Confederacy of Independent Systems. Soon afterward, he
was captured by the Geonosians and sentenced to death.
When Mace Windu led two hundred Jedi to Geonosis to rescue Kenobi, who was
joined by his Padawan and Senator Amidala, the conflict between the Republic
and the CIS began. Jedi Master Yoda arrived with the clone army from Kamino and
a massive ground battle ensued: The Clone Wars had begun.
Though Kenobi survived the great Clone Wars, he ultimately lost his apprentice
to the dark side of the Force. With Anakin-now known as Darth Vader-at his
side, the Emperor started the systematic elimination of the Jedi, known as the
Jedi Purge. Kenobi and Master Yoda were two of the very few Jedi who survived,
and they went into hiding. Kenobi took one of the Skywalker twins, Luke, with
him to Tatooine. Kenobi gave the child to Anakin's stepbrother Owen Lars to
raise, while the Jedi disappeared into the desert to live as a hermit near the
Jundland Wastes.
Kenobi watched over Luke as he grew older, hoping that Vader would never find
the boy. It wasn't until Luke's twin sister Leia sent a distress message to
Kenobi, which was intercepted by Luke, that the old Jedi's involvement with the
Rebel Alliance started. Kenobi renewed his Jedi identity and headed for
Alderaan with Luke to help the Rebellion. But the planet was destroyed and
Kenobi and Skywalker ended up in the belly of the Empire's most deadly weapon,
the Death Star.
Aboard the Death Star, Kenobi sacrificed himself in a duel with his former
pupil, Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker, thereby allowing Luke and Leia to escape.
Even after his death, Kenobi remained in contact with Luke Skywalker: first as
a disembodied voice and later as an astral form. Obi-Wan helped Luke Skywalker
on his path to destroy the Empire and redeem his father, Anakin. 5 years later,
Obi-Wan Kenobi finally severed his connection to the living world, leaving the
legacy of the Jedi in the able hands of Luke Skywalker.
==============================================================================
4.26 - Sev'Rance Tann
==============================================================================
Born on the distant Chiss homeworld of Csilla, Sev'Rance is a Dark Acolyte,
possessing Jedi powers and skills. She is a military leader with an abundance
of strategic and tactical knowledge and has proven herself on more than one
occasion.
Some have theorized that it is a result of her Jedi abilities, but regardless
of the reason, Tann seems to have the uncanny knack of foreseeing enemy's moves
and responding to them in kind. A story is told amongst her troops, that once,
when Tann was a young learner in the Chiss Academy, a professor challenged her
to a contest: to train a group of untrainable creatures, the Yresilini, to
become an army. Sev'Rance started by picking one of the creatures to be her
General, and teaching him several rudimentary commands. The "General" laughed
at her, along with his "troops". Sev'Rance then ordered the "General" put to
death in front of the troops, and appointed a second General. The second
General and the troops followed her orders implicitly and she was awarded high
marks.
Sev'Rance Tann has sworn to fight for the principles of the Confederacy of
Independant Systems. She has won the trust of Dooku and the other members of
the Confederacy through her stunning victories. Considered a major asset to
the Confederacy, General Tann takes orders directly from Count Dooku.
==============================================================================
5. Technology Classes
==============================================================================
The ancient history of progress and technological innovation in the galaxy has,
for better or worse, always been tied to military conquest. Civilizations
forever scramble to develop more sophisticated weapons and armies to aid them
in defense or subjugation. Detailed here are the six major classes of military
units agreed upon by most galactic scholars.
==============================================================================
5.1 - Aircraft
==============================================================================
Soon after most civilizations develop vehicles capable of flight, the possible
military applications become quickly apparent. Used for surveillance,
long-range reconnaissance, attack, and occasionally defense, aircraft are
versatile and valuable in their ability to travel freely over land and sea,
unencumbered by geographic hazards. Countered by anti-aircraft turrets,
vehicles, troopers, and ships, aircraft represent a versitile weapon in the
arsenal of conquering generals.
Fighters are the most common aircraft, used by almost every army. Fighter
craft are effective hit-and-fade weapons, attacking both air-to-air and
air-to-ground. A tight formation of X-wings can send a well-ordered squadron
of stormtroopers running for cover. That said, the standard fighter is not a
particularly fearsome weapon against buildings and other fortified structures.
For true building-demolition, the bomber inflicts the most damage in the
shortest amount of time. Generally slower than fighters and unable to attack
other air units, bombers are compensated with better armor, but still remain
vulnerable without an effective fighter escort.
Air transports are invaluable to most commanders due to their ability to land
troops in supposedly secure areas, deep behind enemy lines, or inside the walls
of a base. An opposing army without an anti-aircraft turret defense may find
himself quickly over-run when the air transports stream in, loaded down with
troopers and mechs.
A relatively recent addition to the arsenal of the commander is the Air
Cruiser, a sizable air/spacecraft capable of destroying anti-air turrets at
extreme range, effectively plowing the field for an oncoming assault. With
their massive forward gun, Air Cruisers can devastate a large radius of the
battlefield at once. Although possessing a fairly long recharge rate, the
forward gun is formidable against even a seasoned opponent.
Historically, the Naboo have been generally regarded as the expert craftsmen of
aircraft manufacturing. Their N-1 Starfighter and Nubian bomber remain
unparalleled in their classes. Additionally, the Rebellion has shrewdly
utilized the older model Y-wing and X-wing models, and the armored Skyspeeder
has emerged as an incredibly effective weapon against the Imperial AT-AT
walkers. The addition of the A-wing adds another weapon to the Rebel
Alliance's arsenal: a very quick craft with air-to-air and air-to-ground
capabilities.
==============================================================================
5.2 - Heavy Weapons
==============================================================================
The heavy weapon class has existed almost as long as the ancient trooper class.
Emerging in the early days of combat as an anti-infantry weapon, the heavy
weapon was later modified to destroy fortified castles and strongholds. As the
technology advanced, so did the heavy weapons, evolving from primitive stone
catapults and pummels to artillery and energy-based weapons. But though the
technologies have changed, the strategies have remained largely the same.
Artillery is probably the most fundamental support unit for an army marching
into battle. Certainly one of the first technological achievements of any
civilization, the artillery serves the primary function of launching
projectiles far across the battlefield into enemy infantry ranks, decimating an
oncoming army. As a secondary tactic, artillery also rains destruction down on
buildings, sentry posts, and other fixed installations. Because of its
long-range capabilities, artillery armor is often minimal to none, and the
cumbersome vehicles can be extremely vulnerable to the very troopers and mechs
they bombard. Especially devastating are the mounted troopers, who can quickly
rush and overwhelm an artillery vehicle. A defensive screen is essential for
maximum efficiency.
The pummel was developed in a roughly parallel track with the fortified
building. As buildings became stronger and more well-defended, commanders
identified the need for an armored vehicle capable of destroying walls and
withstanding the guns and defensive weapons of any fortress. The pummel,
though slow-moving, is unmatched in its destructive capabilities, even stronger
than the artillery barrage. However, though the pummel is armored, mounted
troopers can pinpoint their attacks and target the few exposed components,
quickly crippling the unit.
Historically-speaking, a later addition to the heavy weapons class are the
mobile anti-air vehicles. While a force of anti-air troopers may be an
annoyance to an enemy, the presence of mobile anti-air units will give any
general pause. They are well-armored and their offensive capabilities are
extreme. But like the others in their class, anti-air mobiles can be destroyed
in short order by a strike force of mounted troopers. However, a defensive
escort can minimize this risk.
==============================================================================
5.3 - Jedi
==============================================================================
The history of the battlefield Jedi is a long and complicated one. The
original Jedi Knights were largely pacifist, tending to concentrate on
discoveries in the Force and studies in enlightenment. They eschewed combat
for the most part. However, as their ranks grew, the Jedi were approached more
and more often to aid in various planetary skirmishes. They originally entered
as peace-keepers and negotiators, but several conflicts escalated to the point
where the Jedi could no longer remain neutral. It was then that their awesome
battlefield powers were truly unleashed.
The ancient Sith Wars marked the emergence of the Jedi warrior. In those
chaotic times, Force-users considered the art of war as important as meditation
and the pursuit of self-knowledge. They adhered to a strict code of honor and
discipline, and their organization was quite martial in nature.
On the battlefield the Jedi could bring many powers to bear. The obvious
strength of any Jedi is his lightsaber, an incredibly powerful weapon capable
of tearing apart virtually any alloy or armor in seconds. Additionally, though
Jedi are lightly armored, their uncanny instincts and foresight allow them to
evade and minimize attacks, essentially giving them shields of a different
nature. As Jedi develop their power, they gain the ability to cloud the minds
of their enemies, over considerable distances, and can turn enemy units against
one another and recruit allies among the weak-minded. And all Jedi can find
and read Holocrons, which are repositories of knowledge useful to any army.
The Jedi's main battlefield opponents are the bounty hunters: soldiers for hire
who specialize in tracking and killing Jedi Knights. Unlike standard Troopers
or other military units, bounty hunters focus their skills on the art of
fighting and combat, and utilize many specialized weapons to take down their
prey. Any Jedi, no matter how strong in the Force, should beware the
underhanded tactics of the bounty hunter.
==============================================================================
5.4 - Mechs
==============================================================================
The so-called mech class features wildly varying units, from technological
monstrosities to highly-trained animals and riders. But all mechs serve
roughly the same purpose: they are the backbone of any effective ground strike.
As generals and commanders began developing stronger anti-infantry measures,
the mech emerged as a better-armored and better-armed replacement for the
infantry Trooper. The Trooper ceased to be the main ground force, and the mech
began its ascent in the galactic army.
Of special note among the mech class are the Trade Federation and Imperial
technologies, which capture the best aspects of the mechanized cavalry. The
Trade Federation AAT tanks are feared throughout the galaxy for their ruthless
efficiency against almost any military unit, except Aircraft. Used to great
effectiveness at the Battle of Naboo, a battalion of AATs drove back the Gungan
infantry and fambaa corps and were on the verge of victory when technical
glitches sabotaged their efforts. Nevertheless, it is agreed by most
historians that the tank proved its effectiveness in battle. Additionally, the
massive MTT, capable of transporting infantry troops as well, dominates any
skirmish it enters.
As the Empire gradually took control of system after system, it recognized the
need for fearsome but efficient vehicles to battle the various resistance
groups and local rebellions. Technicians developed the "walker" line of mechs,
basing their designs on the successful 'animal cavalry' of ancient
civilizations. Maneuverability and adaptability were married to technological
hardiness and reliability in the form of the AT-AT, the gargantuan flagship of
the Imperial mech class. Capable of smashing through virtually any defense,
the AT-AT sports several front-mounted gun turrets, and can hold infantry
troops as well. Though slightly compromised by its weakness against Rebel
armored airspeeders, the AT-AT is devastating against most military units.
==============================================================================
5.5 - Ships
==============================================================================
On planets with oceans and seas, the aquatic navy has emerged as a strong
component of the military machine. The ship class was developed first as a
means of transporting troops across the large expanses of water. As transports
were used more often, generals developed ships capable of sinking them: the
destroyers. The opposing forces protected their convoys with frigates. As
land-based forces began using artillery effectively, the cruiser came into
existence, lobbing projectiles from the relatively safe domain of the ocean.
And finally, the anti-aircraft ship appeared, protecting the navy from aerial
bombardment.
Certain civilizations specialized in their naval forces, such as the
water-dwelling Gungans. In addition to the standard ship types, the Gungans
invented their Bongo submarines-stealth units capable of undetected
surveillance and sudden sneak attacks. Unless an opposing navy launches a
frigate escort, a squad of Gungan submarines can wreak havoc on a convoy.
Additionally, Gungan cruisers can bombard a shoreline city and reduce it to
rubble in the blink of an eye. The wise Gungan commander launches and
maintains a fully-staffed navy whenever possible.
==============================================================================
5.6 - Support Units
==============================================================================
The backbone of any fighting force, support units make up the oft-overlooked
though highly important arm of any general's force.
The versatile Workers have the unique ability to go from hunting wild Banthas
to defending the base against attack to tending a hydroponics farm without
missing a beat. The cornerstone of any good military organization, Workers can
operate many of the resource installations, in addition to building and
repairing all military buildings.
Medics are able to heal the biological units of your forces at no cost, save
the initial purchase of the unit, making them extremely valuable in winning
battles. The Gungan general has a particular advantage in terms of Medics,
because of the large amount of biological units in his arsenal.
Another support unit generals have at their disposal is the Power Droid,
essentially a walking power core. This mobile energy source can walk near an
unpowered building, giving it the power it needs to function at high capacity
until a more permanent structure is built in its place.
==============================================================================
5.7 - Troopers
==============================================================================
Perhaps the most ancient military unit is the infantry soldier, the trooper.
Virtually every civilization can trace the history of their conflicts back to
primitive hand-to-hand fighting between tribes. As the need for military
superiority increased, tribes began specializing. Their people were trained to
use spears, to attack in formation, to throw explosive projectiles, and finally
to use firearms. The bar was continually raised. The trooper became a
fast-moving ground unit, well-armored and equipped with a range of weapons. As
animals became domesticated, armies utilized the beasts' height and speed in
the form of mounted troopers. This cavalry began specializing in
lightning-fast melee strikes, especially against the heavy weapons class.
However, as mechanized transports began appearing in the armies of the galaxy,
troopers became more useful as cheap and plentiful fodder. The "grunts"
developed a reputation for being crazy and/or stupid, rushing into the heat of
battle without much considering their incredibly vulnerable position. As
single fighters, they are no match against other classes. Their strength will
always lie in their overwhelming numbers.
That said, two civilizations have produced distinguished lines of troopers, for
varying reasons. The fighting prowess and sheer physical power of the Wookiees
cannot be matched by any other trooper. Their Wookiee Berserkers shred and
destroy anything in their path, and die gladly for the honor of their clans.
Such devotion makes them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. But
even the lowliest of Wookiee troopers tends to be a fierce warrior.
Rebellion troops, while not possessing the strength or ferocity of the
Wookiees, nevertheless fight valiantly, often against overwhelming odds. The
Rebel trooper has the strength of his beliefs and ideals; his battles are often
ones of survival and freedom rather than conquest. The desire for freedom
strengthens the morale of the troopers so much it can even compensate for their
scavenged equipment and weapons. Imperial troops, though better supplied and
organized, cannot hope to match the fighting spirit of the Rebellion.
==============================================================================
6. Briefings
==============================================================================
A series of briefings related to the Confederacy and Republic Campaigns are
provided to give the commander a more complete understanding of the galactic
conflict.
==============================================================================
6.1 - Episode II Politics
==============================================================================
Because of the Galactic Senate's inability to avoid the conflicts that became
the Battle of Naboo, a Vote of No Confidence ousted Supreme Chancellor Valorum,
who was then replaced by Senator Palpatine of Naboo. Promising to stop the
endless debates and ineffectiveness of the Senate, Palpatine tried to usher in
a new era for the Senate, although squabbling continued unabated.
Ten years later, the Senate had grown even more corrupt and unable to make
progress on the most simple of issues. When Count Dooku's separatist movement
began gaining systems by the hundreds, the Senate began debating the necessity
of creating an army to defend the Republic. While many Senators, including
Padm? Amidala from Naboo, believed an army would only lead to war, the Senate
could never get through the filibustering to vote on the issue.
It wasn't until Obi-Wan Kenobi discovered a mysterious clone army on the planet
of Kamino and then revealed Dooku's huge military build-up on Geonosis that the
Senate finally took action. Representative Jar Jar Binks of Naboo brought a
motion to the floor of the Senate to give Supreme Chancellor Palpatine
emergency powers. Once he received these powers, Palpatine authorized Yoda to
collect the army and join Mace Windu and his strike force of two hundred Jedi
at Geonosis.
Yoda arrived in time to save the few surviving members of Windu's team, along
with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Senator Amidala. The clone army
engaged the combined forces of the Trade Federation, Tecnho Union, Corporate
Alliance, Commerce Guild and InterGalactic Banking Clan, all now united under
the banner of Dooku's Confederacy of Independent Systems. The massive ground
battle between the Republic and the CIS marked the start of the Clone Wars.
Even though Dooku ordered the CIS troops to retreat from Geonosis, the Clone
Wars raged on for many years after the Battle of Geonosis, sending the galaxy
into chaos as thousands of star systems became embroiled in the conflict
between the Republic and the Secessionists.
==============================================================================
6.2 - Decimator
==============================================================================
INTERCEPTED TRANSMISSION BETWEEN HUTT OPERATIVES NEAR EREDISS SYSTEM AND
MEMBERS OF THE CARTEL ON PLANET TATOOINE:
[Translated from Huttese]
BOGEEGA BU'DAAY [alleged Hutt operative]: Attention! Evidence of weapon's
research discovered in the Erediss system.
BOORKA THE HUTT [alleged Hutt crimelord]: What type of weapon's research?
BOGEEGA BU'DAAY: A land-based vehicle. Capable of tremendous destructive power.
BOORKA THE HUTT: Tell me how I may profit from this vehicle?
BOGEEGA BU'DAAY: Knowledge is power, master.
BOORKA THE HUTT: What else have you discovered?
BOGEEGA BU'DAAY: The researchers refer to the weapon as the Decimator. It is
sheathed in protective armor and seems to possess its own shielding. It also
appears to be capable of targetting air as well as ground vehicles.
Unfortunately, precious little else is known. I Will continue to observe the
laboratory.
BOORKA THE HUTT: Keep in touch, Bogeega.
BOGEEGA BU'DAAY: I will...wait, there is movement up ahead.
[The sound of a Wookiee roar interrupts the transmission.]
BOGEEGA BU'DAAY: I am...discovered!
[Transmission ends]
==============================================================================
7. Closing
==============================================================================
Ending.
==============================================================================
7.1 - Credits
==============================================================================
CJayC - For making a wonderful site.
DataBank - All of the descriptions are from the DataBank in the game; I
am just making it a lot easier to view. The descriptions are
the game's work, not mine.
[ ? ] - Your name could be here! In lights!
==============================================================================
7.2 - Legal Disclaimer
==============================================================================
This document is Copyright ? 2003 Andrew "TestaALT" Testa. All Rights
Reserved. This document may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any form and
under any circumstances without the complete consent of the author. It may not
be sold, altered, or published in any way without the advance permission of
the author. All sources, which have contributed to this document, are cited
and/or credited in some form. The only sites I allow this document to be
viewed at are:
GameFAQs &lthttp://www.gamefaqs.com>
IGN &lthttp://www.ign.com>
If you see this document at any other sources email me telling so as I do
not allow this document to be published at any other sources. Please do not
ask me if you want this document on your website, as the answer will most
likely be no. These terms have become binding once the recipient (or reader)
opened this document. Violation of these terms is strictly prohibited and will
result in a lawsuit. Please do not take these terms as threats and/or not read
them as they are all very much true. I can sue you for an act of plagiarism
and will not hesitate to do so. Thank you for reading this legal disclaimer
and have a nice day!
==============================================================================
7.3 - Contact Information
==============================================================================
This section will tell you how to contact the author regarding work that he
has done. Questions you have can be sent to TestaALT@aol.com. I have only
two rules when it comes to sending me an email. They our: The question should
not be answered in this document and put the game name in the subject line. If
you do not follow these rules your email will be ignored. The question might
be added in the next update as I see fit. I will try my best to respond to
your question. Thank you for reading this information.
Did you like this guide? Rate my guide then see some of my other work at:
-> http://gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/23249.html &lt-
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